ZAGREB, Oct 27 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament's Committee for the Constitution, Rule Book and Political System on Friday adopted draft constitutional amendments. The draft will be discussed at the House of Representatives on
November 8. Although members of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party had voted against the draft and members of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) abstained, the committee harmonised the hardest part of the job -- in which cases the Lower House can be dissolved. It was also concluded that the control of intelligence and security services remains regulated by the Constitution, unless the President and Government agree that these powers be solved through the legislature. To regulate the issue by law (on national security), not through the Constitution was a good idea to the HDZ, HSLS and the President's advisor, Igor Dekanic, deeming this as not being a constitutional matte
ZAGREB, Oct 27 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament's Committee for the
Constitution, Rule Book and Political System on Friday adopted
draft constitutional amendments.
The draft will be discussed at the House of Representatives on
November 8.
Although members of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party had
voted against the draft and members of the Croatian Social Liberal
Party (HSLS) abstained, the committee harmonised the hardest part
of the job -- in which cases the Lower House can be dissolved.
It was also concluded that the control of intelligence and security
services remains regulated by the Constitution, unless the
President and Government agree that these powers be solved through
the legislature. To regulate the issue by law (on national
security), not through the Constitution was a good idea to the HDZ,
HSLS and the President's advisor, Igor Dekanic, deeming this as not
being a constitutional matter.
Committee president Mato Arlovic (Social democratic Party)
expressed satisfaction with the draft. He stressed the Committee
had done a big job, as it had sought the best solutions for
transforming the semi-presidential into a parliamentary system.
The draft envisages four possibilities under which the Lower House
could be dissolved.
The first is self-dissolution. The second possibility is if a new
government after elections cannot be constituted, and after all
constitutional possibilities are exhausted, the President must
dissolve the Parliament and call for new elections, so the
electorate could solve a possible crisis themselves and prevent
usurpation, Arlovic said.
The third possibility for dissolving the House of Representatives
in case the Government resigns or gets a vote of no confidence. The
mandate-holder then has 30 days to form a new government, but should
the government fail to receive a vote of confidence, th Lower House
must be dissolved and elections scheduled.
The fourth, and the most contentious possibility, Arlovic said, was
that the President of the Republic could dissolve the House and call
early elections, at the suggestion of the Government and with the
co-signature of the Prime Minister, following consultations with
representatives of parliament party benches. This possibility has
been added a safety net Arlovic said. The government cannot suggest
the dissolution of the House while the Lower House is discussing
confidence to the Prime Minister or the government.
(hina) lml jn