'Slovakia': Parliament's Rules of Procedure Should Address Alcohol, Not Attire

Bratislava, 26 January (TASR) - The coalition's proposal for changes in Parliament's Rules of Procedure was criticised by opposition MPs from the 'Slovakia'-'For the People' caucus at a press conference on Monday, noting that it focuses on clothes rather than alcohol, while they would welcome the option of a breathalyser test for MPs who appear to be drunk. "There's no sign of any sanctions being introduced for alcohol," said 'Slovakia' party leader Igor Matovic. Although the coalition claims that the person chairing the session can expel MPs from the chamber for being drunk, Matovic said that this has never actually happened. "This has never happened in 36 years, and it will never happen until the law explicitly states that MPs are required to take a breathalyser test just like ordinary employees," said Matovic, adding that MPs are afraid of this. Opposition MPs also expressed frustration over a proposed ban on clothing with political slogans, which MPs have used to point to government failings. By changing the Rules of Procedure, stated Matovic, the coalition wants to silence the opposition. He also believes that it will still be possible to restrict the parliamentary debate by shortening it to 12 hours. "Although they will formally allocate 37.5 hours, in reality it may happen quite often that they'll cut the debate short or say that there's a maximum of 12 hours, etc.," stated Matovic. According to him, the proposed code of ethics also addresses MPs' statements outside the chamber. This leads to the fear that MPs could be "spied on" in terms of what they post on social networks or say at meetings with people. Leader of the 'For the People' party Veronika Remisova added that the coalition should stop introducing "mafia-style" legislative amendments if it wants sessions to be calm and dignified. "If they start bringing in laws that benefit the public, parliamentary sessions will look different," she said. Earlier on Monday, House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) presented a draft amendment of Parliament's Rules of Procedure, setting a maximum time of 37.5 hours for all parliamentary caucuses to discuss each item on the agenda; although this period will be doubled in the case of debates on the state budget and the government manifesto. For MPs, a code of ethics should be introduced, along with an obligation to wear 'appropriate attire'. If this is violated, an MP may be expelled from the chamber. The amendment to the Rules of Procedure will be the first point on the agenda of the parliamentary session which is due to begin on Tuesday (27 January). jrg/df