Coalition Doesn't Expect Any Problems in Approving Cabinet's Proposals in House

Bratislava, 25 May (TASR) - Based on Monday's meeting of the coalition council, the government doesn't anticipate any problems at the upcoming parliamentary session in approving government- or coalition-sponsored bills on which agreement has been reached, stated House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) and Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD). Similarly, President Peter Pellegrini stated after Monday's meeting of the three highest constitutional officials that the governing coalition is determined to debate its entire agenda at the session as planned. "Based on information from the House chair, it appears that we shouldn't expect any major problems with the debate on Parliament's agenda," stated Pellegrini, adding that he believes the change in the rules of procedure will improve the level of political debate, which, in his view, has become increasingly heated in recent days. He called for calm in political and media statements and for the huge level of tension in society to ease. Rasi explained that parliamentary proceedings will begin on Tuesday with nearly 190 items on the agenda. "We're starting under new rules of procedure, and I can say that even after the coalition council meeting, we don't anticipate any problems in passing bills, sponsored by the government or coalition. And I believe that, just as at previous parliamentary sessions, it will once again become clear that the parliamentary majority has 78 votes, and that government bills, as well as coalition-backed bills on which consensus has been reached, will be approved by Parliament," he said, adding that he believes the new rules of procedure will eliminate aggression and bring about civility and objective debate. The premier admitted that some bills may spark "heated" debates, but he believes that Parliament should fulfil its purpose and approve all bills drafted by the government as well as a substantial portion of those submitted by coalition lawmakers. He expects that a proposal for pro-growth measures will also be submitted to the House in the second half of the session. "And as these are measures that aren't intended to affect the state budget, but we need to approve them before the budget is adopted - plus those measures that do affect the state budget - we must debate this proposal via a fast-tracked legislative procedure. The government will submit such a proposal via a fast-tracked procedure," said Fico, declaring that he'll inform the president and the House chair of this in advance. Rasi has already signalled support in Parliament. "If pro-growth measures are approved, we're prepared to pass everything agreed upon in Parliament even via a fast-tracked legislative process, precisely because that is one of the reasons for using a fast-tracked legislative process - to support the economy and prevent economic damage," he stated. am/df