PS will not support Hlas's proposal to shorten the electoral term by referendum

The Slovak opposition party Progresívne Slovensko (PS) has announced it will not back a proposal by the Hlas party aimed at shortening the parliamentary term through a referendum. PS stated that both the format and substance of Hlas's proposal are inadequate. According to Zuzana Mesterová, the head of the PS parliamentary club, significant constitutional amendments like this should not be decided through simple parliamentary amendments.

Mesterová emphasized the necessity of a thorough discussion involving the professional community and a proper legislative process for any changes to the conditions under which a parliamentary term can be shortened. She conveyed this stance in response to an appeal from Richard Raši, the Speaker of the National Council and deputy leader of Hlas, who had urged PS to support their initiative.

“

Such serious interventions in the constitution are not decided by amending proposals from MPs. It is necessary for a proper discussion with the professional public and a proper legislative process to take place regarding the change in the conditions for shortening the electoral term.

In a counter-move, PS has called on Hlas and Raši to support PS's own resolution to shorten the current legislative period. Mesterová argued that the constitution already provides for such a possibility and that the reasons for shortening the term are evident daily. The National Council is expected to address Hlas's proposed constitutional amendment in the coming days, which seeks to establish the possibility of shortening a term via a valid referendum, a mechanism not currently available under the constitution, which allows for shortening only by a parliamentary resolution.

“

The constitution allows for such a possibility, and we can see the reasons for shortening this electoral term every day.