CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES TO PREVENT CONCENTRATION OF POWER- SAYS IVANISEVIC

ZAGREB, July 15 (Hina) - To make it impossible for any state body to concentrate power, to strengthen the rule of law and promote the role of local and regional self-government are three basic objectives which should be accomplished by amendments to the Constitution, said Croatian Justice Minister Stjepan Ivanisevic. Expounding the proposal for the change of the Constitution before the House of Representatives, Ivanisevic said on Saturday the Constitution, promulgated in 1990, had shown weak spots such as making it possible for the President of the Republic to concentrate power in his hands. Hence, a parliamentary system has been suggested to replace the current semi-presidential system. In the future, the head of state will also be elected at presidential elections, and such system is functioning in most countries in transition, the Justice Minister added. The President of the Republic would retain authorities he/she has as the head of state and the supreme commander of the country's armed forces. The President would also have some authorities over security services and would be held responsible for the settlement of crisis situations between the national parliament (Sabor) and the Government. The President's significant authorities would be limited concerning important decisions when he/she should have the co- signature of Prime Minister on a relevant document and hold consultations with Sabor Speaker, Ivanisevic said. The Government would totally be responsible before the Sabor, whereas its duties, tasks and responsibility would be broadened and more clearly defined. The Government would assume responsibility for interior and foreign policies, public services and the economic progress. On the other hand, the parliamentary control over the Government would increase as well, he added. In certain cases the Government could ask the President of the Republic to dissolve the parliament and call early elections. The constitutional changes should strengthen the function of the national parliament in the sectors of defence and security services. According to the draft amendments, the Sabor remains a bicameral assembly, but the role of the House of Counties would be redefined so that the upper house represents particular regional interests. Ivanisevic hoped the changes would lead to the balance in the relationship between the executive, legislative and judicial authorities. In addition, changes should be introduced at local and regional self-government with the aim of de-centralising the country. Corrections are envisaged in the judiciary as well. The State Judicial Council (DSV) should be regulate in a better manner. As the Constitutional Court is overcrowded with pending cases it is necessary to regulate more precisely cases when a constitutional appeal can be lodged with this Court. More attention should be paid to the skilfulness and professionalism of civil servants, the Justice Minister stressed. Addressing the Sabor, Ivanisevic explained that a procedure for the Constitutional changes had three stages. The first is this initiative for amendments, and it would be followed by a discussion and elaboration of changes and eventually draft amendments should be passed, he said. (hina) ms