MP Ferencak Calls for Support for Proposals That He's Submitted to Parliament

Bratislava, 16 September (TASR) - MP Jan Ferencak (Voice-SD) has called on other legislators to support the proposals that he's submitted to Parliament, TASR learnt at his press conference on Tuesday. These include a draft to increase the number of MPs needed to amend the Constitution and to restrict the sale of energy drinks to children under 16. Ferencak also commented on his position during the vote in Parliament on the government's constitutional amendment, pointing out that the authors haven't yet answered his questions on the matter. "The four bills that I've submitted carry a single logic - common sense and the protection of the public interest ... This isn't rightist, it isn't leftist, it's correct. It's not against anyone, it's for the people. I also call on the public to have an open debate on these drafts, and I call on MPs to have a factual debate and support the bills that are being put forward," he said. For example, Ferencak is proposing to increase the number of MPs needed to change the Constitution from the current 90 to 100. "If you want to change the foundations of a house, in this case the state, you need a broader agreement, not just a momentary majority," he stated, pointing out that since 1992, the Constitution has been changed more than 25 times. "Often quickly, without deeper discussion. And the result? The basic law of the state is turned into a political programme for four years; today it is literally a tear-off calendar," he stated. The MP also explained his stance on the proposed consolidation package. He spoke of the need for consolidation, but described the measures as unfortunate, pointing to the burden on people's wallets, companies and local authorities. He hopes that the measures will be adjusted. "I'll give the [finance] minister [Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD)] and the governing parties a chance and I'll support a fast-tracked legislative procedure. The first [reading] probably, but I'll be considering it at the second [reading]. If there are no changes, I won't agree with such measures presented," he said. am/df