AFTER introducing changes to the judiciary and a definition of marriage, the ruling Smer party and opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) may join forces in pushing for more constitutional amendments that require votes from at least 90 MPs.
While Smer has come up with a plan to ban water exports from Slovakia, the KDH is promoting a proposal whereby officials such as MPs or MEPs would be banned from simultaneously holding the posts of mayors or regional governors, the TASR newswire reported.
“They’re two completely different proposals,” Smer parliamentary caucus head Jana Laššáková said, as quoted by TASR. “There is indeed scope for negotiations ... We’ll hold talks with political parties to secure the greatest support possible.”
Laššáková however admitted she believes the KDH’s proposal interferes with the right to be elected.
“But it’s too early to comment on this,” she said, as quoted by TASR. Smer itself has several MPs who hold several elected positions.
Both Laššáková and KDH caucus head Pavol Zajac confirmed that no talks on the issue have been held between the two parties to date, TASR reported.
News about the possible cooperation of the two caucuses came only one day after KDH chairman Ján Figeľ said that his party wants to continue being a constructive and consistent form of opposition to Smer.
Meanwhile, Smer is seeking to have a constitutional amendment passed whereby the transportation and transit of water gained from sources of ground water, natural healing waters, mineral water, geothermal waters, water courses and surface water across Slovakia’s borders would be prohibited. If approved by parliament, the ban will apply to transport in pipelines and water tanks alike. Those who export bottled water processed in Slovakia, be it mineral or table water, will continue to be allowed to do so.
“Obviously we can’t jeopardise jobs,” said Smer chairman and Prime Minister Robert Fico earlier this week. An exemption is also set to apply in the case of humanitarian crises.
Smer has 83 MPs, while the votes of 90 MPs are needed to pass a constitutional amendment.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
presented in its Flash News postings.
