ZAGREB, July 15 (Hina) - During Saturday's parliamentary discussion on constitutional changes, all party benches except the HDZ that was reserved, supported draft amendments to the Croatian Constitution. We back the idea about
transforming the presidential system into a parliamentary one. Owing to defects of the proposal and the fact that the opposition did not take part in its elaboration, we, however, shall abstain from voting, said Vladimir Seks on the behalf of the bench of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the strongest opposition party at the House of Representatives. Seks surmised that the changes were not directed to the introduction of the parliamentary system and believed that a kind of chancellorship could be imposed actually. He insisted that it was necessary to precisely define cases when the Government could ask the President of the Republic to dissolve the Sabor's House of Representatives
ZAGREB, July 15 (Hina) - During Saturday's parliamentary
discussion on constitutional changes, all party benches except the
HDZ that was reserved, supported draft amendments to the Croatian
Constitution.
We back the idea about transforming the presidential system into a
parliamentary one. Owing to defects of the proposal and the fact
that the opposition did not take part in its elaboration, we,
however, shall abstain from voting, said Vladimir Seks on the
behalf of the bench of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), the
strongest opposition party at the House of Representatives.
Seks surmised that the changes were not directed to the
introduction of the parliamentary system and believed that a kind
of chancellorship could be imposed actually. He insisted that it
was necessary to precisely define cases when the Government could
ask the President of the Republic to dissolve the Sabor's House of
Representatives and call early elections.
In addition, the proposed changes rendered the House of Counties
dispensable, and these were reasons for the HDZ reserved stance,
Seks said.
Other parliamentary benches supported the draft constitutional
amendments.
On behalf of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) bench, Ingrid
Anticevic-Marinovic admitted that the incumbent Constitution had a
democratic potential, but it was thwarted in the practice. She
added that the purpose of the constitutional changes to bring more
order in the conduct of participants in the political system and
ensure the legal security.
On behalf of the Istrian Democratic Alliance (IDS) bench, Damir
Kajin described the draft amendments as sensible. Kajin supported
the proposal that the House of Counties be retained, and, he
advised, the upper house must not any longer be a site where
politicians can "pass in review" and thus earn high pensions, but it
should assume such a role that it can decide on some matter. Kajin
hailed attempts to bring changes at the level of local authorities
and regional self-government with the aim to de-centralise the
country.
On behalf of the bench of the Croatian People's Party (HNS) and
Liberal Party (LS), Vesna Pusic suggested that the representation
of the Diaspora to the Croatian national parliament should be
symbolic, as the Sabor should primarily be made up of
representatives of Croatian citizens who are tax payers and
conscripts in the country.
On behalf of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Drazen
Budisa expressed the backing to the changes and the attempts to cut
the President's powers. He recommended that MPs should be careful
and not allow the current political problems affect the changes.
What they should bear in mind while deciding on the changes is that
the Constitutional amendments should ensure a stable, democratic
society for coming 10-20 years, Budisa said.
(hina) ms