'Slovakia' Submits Bill to Allow Shortening Parliament's Term by Referendum

Bratislava, 25 August (TASR) - People should have the power to directly decide on shortening the ongoing parliamentary term through a referendum, according to the opposition 'Slovakia' party's proposal for a draft amendment to the Slovak Constitution, TASR reported on Sunday (24 August). MPs from the 'Slovakia'-'For the People'-KU parliamentary caucus said that, under the current legislation, the parliament's term can only be shortened by a resolution of the parliament, not by a referendum. "The purpose of this amendment to the Slovak Constitution is to strengthen the citizens' right to participate in public affairs through the institution of a referendum," they stated, adding that empowering the citizens was also desirable due to the current political situation, as it appears that the parliamentary majority is not protecting the public interest but rather its own interests and those of financial groups. This bill also comes in response to previous initiatives aimed at shortening the parliamentary term, they said, pointing to the fact that its wording is the same as the one used for the referendum initiated by the-then opposition Smer-SD and other parties in 2023. "The bill therefore holds a mirror up to the current ruling coalition in the parliament," they concluded. jrg