Rasi: MPs Can't Be Breath-tested for Alcohol, They're Not Employees

Bratislava, 29 January (TASR) – At present it isn't possible to require a member of Parliament to take a breath test for alcohol, as MPs are elected by voters and hold a four-year mandate, House chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) stated on Thursday, adding that no parliament in Europe has rules obliging MPs to undergo such tests. Rasi underlined that MPs are not his employees. If an MP behaves inappropriately, including under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, they can be expelled from the chamber and lose their salary. Rasi also rejected claims that new rules are being prepared for journalists working in Parliament. At the same time, a reference to MPs' behaviour in public and media appearances has been removed from the draft code of ethics. "Alcohol doesn't belong in Parliament, but MPs, as in other European parliaments, are not employees here," said Rasi at a Thursday press conference. "Because they were elected, only the people can take their mandate away. That's why no parliament in Europe has resolved this by breath-testing MPs. That's why it isn't done here either, because they have a four-year mandate," he said. Rasi also declared that alcohol isn't a daily part of parliamentary life. An analysis of all European parliaments has been prepared on this issue. "And no one was able to resolve it precisely because these are elected MPs," he said. According to the House chair, MPs should be dressed appropriately. "We could also wear T-shirts that say what we think, but we're convinced that it's undignified, because the Slovak Republic has 150 MPs and we believe that they should behave properly and be dressed properly," he stated in relation to changes to the Rules of Procedure concerning dress. mf/df