ZAGREB, July 4 (Hina) - Croatia's Government on Tuesday unanimously adopted a decision on beginning a job about changing the Constitution. The changes are based mainly on the proposals drafted by an expert group whom the President of
the Republic convened. Justice Minister Stjepan Ivanisevic, who led an expert group of the ruling six-party coalition, said biggest and most comprehensive changes referred to the organisation of the state administration and authorities. One of proposals is a parliamentary system while the President of the Republic will still be chosen at presidential elections. The Government will completely be responsible before the national parliament (Sabor), but there will be a possibility for the Government to propose to the President of the Republic to dissolve the Sabor. This creates balance before the legislative and executive authorities, Ivanisevic explained. President
ZAGREB, July 4 (Hina) - Croatia's Government on Tuesday unanimously
adopted a decision on beginning a job about changing the
Constitution.
The changes are based mainly on the proposals drafted by an expert
group whom the President of the Republic convened.
Justice Minister Stjepan Ivanisevic, who led an expert group of the
ruling six-party coalition, said biggest and most comprehensive
changes referred to the organisation of the state administration
and authorities.
One of proposals is a parliamentary system while the President of
the Republic will still be chosen at presidential elections.
The Government will completely be responsible before the national
parliament (Sabor), but there will be a possibility for the
Government to propose to the President of the Republic to dissolve
the Sabor. This creates balance before the legislative and
executive authorities, Ivanisevic explained.
President will remain the supreme commander of the armed forces,
supervise the security services and represent the state in the
country and abroad. In this the President will have to cherish the
permanent co-operation with the parliament and the government. In
cases of crises regarding the executive and legislative
authorities, President will assume responsibility for the
settlement of the state of affairs.
President's powers will be restricted in the manner that he/she
will need the co-signature of the Premier and consultations with
the Sabor Speaker about important acts and documents.
Proposed amendments strengthen the position of the Government. It
will take over greater responsibility in the foreign and internal
politics, particularly in the development of the economy and public
services.
The strengthening of the Government's position will be compensated
by the supervisory mechanism of the Sabor. In addition, the
institution of interpellation will be introduced and at the helm of
commissions of inquiry will be members of opposition parties rather
than leading parties or coalitions (what has been the practice so
far).
The Sabor's powers will be expanded, particularly in the control
over the Armed Forces and security services.
The Government advocated the maintenance of the parliament's upper
house (the House of Counties), while the President's experts
proposed its annulment. The House of Counties should reflect
regional interests.
Considering changes in the judiciary, the procedure for the
election of the Supreme Court President will be changed. The head of
the Supreme Court will be appointed by the House of Representatives
at the proposal of the President of the Republic who should take
into consideration the opinion of the general session of the
Supreme Court. There are some changes regarding the State Judicial
Council (DSV).
The Government has proposed that the counties be defined as a units
of a regional self-government, in order that a clear distinction be
made between local self-government and local government.
(hina) jn ms