Changes to the constitution were passed on June 4. (source: Sme)
Slovakia will celebrate the national holiday on September 1, remembering the adoption of its constitution in 1992.
The adoption was preceded by passing the Declaration of Independence of the Slovak Republic submitted to the Slovak National Council on April 16, 1991. Based on the following negotiations held between representatives of the Party for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS) and The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) before the 1992 parliamentary elections, the Slovak political representatives decided to approve the document.
It was passed on July 17, 1992, the TASR newswire reported.
The Slovak National Council subsequently started discussing the draft constitution in August 1992. The document was adopted on September 1, 1992, being supported by 114 of 134 deputies present.
The constitution was signed by then speaker of the Slovak National Council, Ivan Gašparovič and then PM Vladimír Mečiar on September 3, 1992 at Bratislava Castle. It became effective on October 1, 1992.
Meawhile, the Czech and Slovak political representatives agreed at their meeting in Brno in the Czech Republic on August 27, 1992 on a definite break-up of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, TASR wrote.
The MPs have already adopted 14 amendments to the constitution: in the years 1998, 1999, 2001, 2004 (two amendments), 2005, 2006 (two amendments), 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 (two amendments), and 2015. The document contains a preamble and nine titles.
The parliament used to organise the Doors Open Day on the Day of Constitution, but will not hold it this year. The reason is Slovakia’s presidency over the EU Council. The parliament will hold a big event on September 2 and it would not be possible to organise both events, Zuzana Čižmáriková from the Parliament’s Office explained to the SITA newswire.
They are however considering organising the event on a different day.
The Doors Open Day was also cancelled two years ago, due to financial cuts, SITA wrote.
Kerry congratulates Slovakia
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Slovakia on behalf of US President Barack Obama on the 24th anniversary of adopting its constitution.
“The United States and Slovakia enjoy a strong bilateral relationship based on shared interests and values,” reads the official statement issued by the US Department of State on August 30. “As President of the Council of the European Union in 2016, Slovakia is demonstrating its regional leadership, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.”
Kerry also highlighted Slovakia’s contributions to NATO, which “reflect the spirit and ideals of transatlantic unity and our shared democratic values”.
The United States will continue to work with Slovakia to confront transnational challenges and enhance security and prosperity in Europe and throughout the world, he added.
“The United States remains a steadfast friend and partner to Slovakia,” Kerry continued. “As you gather with family and friends on your national day, I extend my very best wishes for the year to come.”
