Susko: Limited Debate on Civil Code Reaction to Developments in Parliament

Bratislava, 3 June (TASR) - The limited debate on the draft new Civil Code is a reaction to what has been happening in Parliament in recent days, said Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer-SD) before the government session on Wednesday. "The shortened debate isn't my decision and it needs to be accepted. It isn't a question of shortening the debate for the Civil Code, but about what has been happening in Parliament over the past three days," said Susko, adding that the debates in the House had nothing in common with normal parliamentary debates and didn't concern the points that were on the agenda, either. According to Susko, the discussion on the Civil Code has been ongoing for three years. Preparations for the Civil Code began in 2023, and it was built on legislative work initiated in previous periods. He stated that the code went through an unusually long comments procedure and a four-month dispute-resolution procedure. "We've resolved almost all comments, we've met all the parliamentary caucuses. It's already been in the public domain long enough and has been thoroughly 'chewed over'. I think that such a debate will be sufficient for the first reading," stated the minister. Susko also pointed out that the first reading in Parliament is intended to discuss the philosophy of the proposed amendment, whether it is necessary, to what extent and in what form. Specific sections and provisions are to be addressed at the second reading, he explained. "At the second reading, I can also imagine a special meeting of the constitutional parliamentary committee on this item. We're ready to negotiate separately as well. I assume that the second reading will not be shortened," said Susko. MPs on Tuesday (2 June) passed a proposal by coalition caucuses to limit the parliamentary debate on the draft new Civil Code sponsored by the Justice Ministry to 12.5 hours. The opposition has criticised this limit. Under the new Rules of Procedure, the debate on an agenda item is limited to a maximum of 37.5 hours. Upon a proposal by at least two parliamentary caucuses, the chamber may decide to shorten or extend the alloted time. However, the duration of debate cannot be reduced to less than 12.5 hours. ko/df