Slovenian constitutional reform hits roadblock in parliament

Slovenian constitutional reform hits roadblock in parliament

Politics

A set of constitutional amendments aimed at giving the Constitutional Court some discretion in deciding which cases to admit in a bid to reduce its caseload has failed to pass the first hurdle in parliament in an indication that no constitutional reform is likely this term, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The amendments, long sought by the court, were put forward by the government almost two years ago. As the National Assembly's Constitutional Commission resumed debate on the amendments the proposal to start procedure to change the Constitution fell short of the required two-thirds majority.

Any changes to the Constitution require a two-thirds majority in parliament, which the government does not have.

The amendments concern articles 160 through 162 of the Constitution which apart from giving the court a discretionary power on which cases to hear also sought to transfer some of the Constitutional Courts's powers to other courts.

The list of those eligible to request a constitutional review, which is currently included in the Constitutional Court Act, was to be enshrined in the Constitution.

On taking office as Constitutional Court president in mid-December 2024, judge Rok Čeferin described reducing backlogs as one of the biggest challenges, which the amendments would help alleviate. According to him, the court receives around 2,000 cases a year.

An expert group of four jurists, appointed by the parliamentary commission in March 2024, advised the commission to approve the start of the parliamentary procedure to amend the Constitution. They underlined that the amendments proposed are much-needed and well-founded.

However only eight MPs voted in favour of moving on with the amendments and seven voted against, including all opposition MPs.

The outcome of the vote does not augur well for other sets of changes to the Constitution put forward this term, including amendments to simplify the procedure to appoint government.

The latter was tabled by two ruling coalition parties and the opposition New Slovenia (NSi), but the NSi adopted an official position late last year that it was too late into term to try amending the Constitution, failing to back start of procedure for its own proposal.

Tags

Related articles

Moldova Marks 35 Years of Sovereignty
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has invited citizens to a commemorative event on June 23, marking 35 years since the adoption of Moldova's Declaration of Sovereignty.
Erdogan Urges Ceasefire, Slams Netanyahu
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on influential global powers to resist Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s provocations and instead work to establish a ceasefire in the region.
Szlapka to Be Government Spokesman
At a Friday press conference, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Minister Adam Szlapka will become the new government spokesman.
Mitsotakis Urges EU to Protect Children from AI Risks
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s ambition to lead in shaping AI policy during a discussion with UK Baroness Beeban Kidron at "The Lyceum Project 2025 – Children in the Age of AI" conference.
Ilie Bolojan Appointed Prime Minister of Romania
President Nicușor Dan appointed Ilie Bolojan, interim leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), as Romania’s new prime minister on Friday.
Erdogan Warns of Regional Risks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel's attacks could trigger a spiral of violence, posing risks to both the region and Europe through increased migration and potential nuclear threats.
Moldova Boosts Ties with Diaspora in Italy
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, met with Moldovan citizens in Calabria and Sicily during a visit aimed at deepening connections with the diaspora.
Romania Hails UK Ties on King’s Birthday
Romanian President Nicușor Dan praised the United Kingdom as a strategic partner, ally, and trusted friend during a reception marking King Charles III’s birthday on Thursday.
New Constitutional Court Judges Proposed
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu announced that Liuba Sova and Nicolae Rosca will be nominated by Parliament for a new term as judges at the Constitutional Court. Both currently serve on the Court and are considered professionally qualified for reappointment.
Trump to Decide on Iran Strikes Soon
U.S. President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to launch strikes on Iran, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump Denies Report on US Attack Plans Against Iran
Former President Donald Trump strongly rejected claims that he approved US military plans to join Israel’s attacks on Iran.