Rasi: Proposal to Extend Terms Came Directly from Local and Regional Authorities

Dolny Kubin, 30 March (TASR) - The proposal to extend the terms of office for local authorities from four to five years originated from the grassroots level and was put forward by the representatives of towns, municipalities and self-governing regions themselves, Parliamentary Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) told a press briefing in the town of Dolny Kubin (Zilina region) on Monday, adding that if the constitutional amendment is approved, the extension of electoral terms will take effect as early as this year's combined municipal and regional elections. Rasi is one of five MPs from Voice-SD who submitted the bill for the upcoming parliamentary session, with Roman Malatinec (Independent) being a co-sponsor. "This is a proposal initiated and supported by the Slovak Towns and Villages Association, the Slovak Towns Union, and the Self-governing Regions Association," stated Rasi. The terms of office for municipal and town councils, mayors, as well as regional councils and regional governors, are to be extended from the current four years to five years. According to Rasi, changing the term length is crucial for those who head municipalities, towns, and self-governing regions. "In terms of planned investment activities, the initiative came from our representatives in local government to extend the terms of office to five years to facilitate the implementation, planning, and completion of these activities," said Rasi. Although the bill appears simple at first glance, as it amends four paragraphs of Article 69 of the Constitution, it is classified as a constitutional bill and thus requires at least 90 votes in Parliament to pass. "We expect support from our coalition partners just as we support their other proposals concerning local authorities," said Rasi, adding that he's also held talks with some opposition parties, including the Christian Democrats (KDH) and Progressive Slovakia (PS). If approved, the new legislation would take effect on 15 June of this year. am/df