ZAGREB, Oct 10 (Hina) - The Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted with a majority vote a draft on constitutional changes, aimed at replacing the current semi-presidential system with a parliamentary
one.
ZAGREB, Oct 10 (Hina) - The Croatian National Sabor's House of
Representatives on Tuesday adopted with a majority vote a draft on
constitutional changes, aimed at replacing the current semi-
presidential system with a parliamentary one. #L#
Eighty-two deputies voted for the draft, deputies of the Croatian
Democratic Union (HDZ), Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) and the
Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HKDU) voted against, whereas
independent representative Ivo Loncar abstained.
The constitutional changes are aimed at strengthening the role of
the Sabor which would mean that the government would answer
exclusively to the parliament.
The draft also envisages changes to the role of the government,
which would assume greater responsibility in the field of foreign
and internal policies, especially as regards economic development.
Also, the co-signature of the prime minister would be needed along
with the president of the state's signature for some important
decisions.
The president of the state would still be elected in direct
elections and although his powers would be reduced, he would
continue to be the supreme commander of the armed forces, control
security services and exercise some powers in the area of foreign
policy.
The parliamentary Committee on the Constitution, Rule Book and the
Political System is in charge of drawing up the final draft on
constitutional changes.
The lower house should discuss the draft in November. A two-thirds
majority, i.e. 101 votes, is necessary for the adoption of the
draft.
(hina) jn rml