ZAGREB, March 8 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament's House of representatives began Thursday a discussion on a draft decision to amending the Croatian Constitution, the aim of which are the dissolution of the House of Counties and
establishing who has the right of vote. The House of Counties did not perform its duty because it was more of an instrument of carrying out the policy of parties than protecting the rights of local self-government, Mato Arlovic said on behalf of the one-fifth MPs in the Lower House who suggested the draft. This is why it has been suggested the House should be annulled, and counties given the opportunity to affect issues of their interest, Arlovic explained. The influence of local self-government can be solved in several ways. They can be given the opportunity to voice their opinions in parliament about issues of their interest, or can file complaints to the Constitutional Cou
ZAGREB, March 8 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament's House of
representatives began Thursday a discussion on a draft decision to
amending the Croatian Constitution, the aim of which are the
dissolution of the House of Counties and establishing who has the
right of vote.
The House of Counties did not perform its duty because it was more of
an instrument of carrying out the policy of parties than protecting
the rights of local self-government, Mato Arlovic said on behalf of
the one-fifth MPs in the Lower House who suggested the draft.
This is why it has been suggested the House should be annulled, and
counties given the opportunity to affect issues of their interest,
Arlovic explained.
The influence of local self-government can be solved in several
ways. They can be given the opportunity to voice their opinions in
parliament about issues of their interest, or can file complaints
to the Constitutional Court, if they hold their rights have been
violated, Arlovic said.
Changes to the Constitution should also solve the issue of
electoral right in Croatia. So far this has been exercised by
Croatian citizens of age, including those with dual citizenship who
did not wish to live in Croatia.
Citizens who live in Croatia could not elect MPs for those with dual
citizenship. The representatives of the diaspora thus presented
only one group of citizens, not all of them, and passed laws which
did not apply to this group. This is contrary to the basic principle
of equality, Arlovic stressed.
The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party bench has voiced
opposition to the constitutional amendments, asserting the
Constitution was being changed every several months for daily
political reasons, and deemed unacceptable the rescinding of the
House of Counties and the electoral rights for 375,000 Croatian
citizens who do not have residence in Croatia.
On behalf of the HDZ Vladimir Seks stressed two-house parliamentary
systems were in trend around the world, while Croatia is suggesting
a one-house parliament through constitutional changes.
European countries are introducing or have just introduced the
right for their emigrants to vote in a special electoral unit.
The HDZ party bench thus holds that the suggested constitutional
changes are a "hasty and irresponsible adventure which will not end
well".
MPs of the Croatian People's Party (HNS), Liberal Party (LS) and
Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) endorsed the motioned changes
to the Constitution because, they said, they will facilitate
legislature and make it more efficient.
The HNS/LS party bench supports in content the positive changes of
the Constitution, but is doing so "with a heavy heart" because of
the fact the Constitution is being changed every three months, and
it is supposed to be a permanent act, as it guarantees the stability
and security of a country, Vesna Pusic said.
She supports the abolition of the House of Counties as she said,
Croatia is facing a lengthy and complex process of harmonising laws
with European Union standards, which requires a simpler and more
effective legislature.
Pusic also said she agreed with changes to the electoral rights,
because it is completely logical, she said, that the law of this
country should be made by representatives of citizens who live
under the same laws.
Vilim Herman said on behalf of the HSLS he supports the draft
constitutional changes. As regards electoral rights, he suggested
a formulation according to which "Croatian citizens of age have the
active and passive electoral right in line with the law".
He also supported the suggestion on the abolishment of the House of
Counties.
(hina) lml sb