Rasi: Proposal to Extend Term of Office in Local Authorities to Come in Spring

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 10 January) Speaking on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues), Parliamentary Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) stated that a proposal to extend the term of office for local authorities from four to five years is expected to be submitted to Parliament this spring. This change requires an amendment to the Constitution. According to Rasi, the coalition agrees with extending the election term from the next elections, and they have also discussed this with the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH). The proposal should be submitted to Parliament at the second scheduled session this year, which is set to begin on 14 April. Opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka stated that his party doesn't rule out supporting the proposal, but doesn't consider it to be an urgent matter. Rasi emphasised that the need to extend the electoral term came from representatives of towns, municipalities, and regions. "There's an agreement within the coalition, we also discussed it with KDH because it is a request from mayors and us," he stated, adding that they'll also invite Simecka to the meeting. He believes that PS will support the proposal. The House chair reiterated that the issue of extending the current term of office of mayors, local government leaders, and regional governors is closed. He also rejected debates on extending the term of office of MPs to five years. "At this point, I'm not ruling out support for something like this, but at the same time, no one has spoken to us yet. We don't know the wording or the arguments. If someone calls us, we'll come to the meeting and we can talk about it," Simecka said in response, adding that Slovakia's economic problems need to be addressed first. am