Slovak President Peter Pellegrini announced a referendum for July 4th, omitting a question regarding shortening the parliament’s term.
President Announces Referendum, Key Question Rejected
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini announced a referendum for July 4th, but excluded a question about shortening the parliamentary term.
Citizens will vote on two questions: abolishing lifetime pensions, including those for the prime minister, and reinstating the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the National Criminal Agency.
Why Was the Key Question Rejected?
The President rejected the question of shortening the parliamentary term, stating it was unconstitutional. The extra-parliamentary Democrats party submitted 368,000 signatures petitioning for the referendum, with the term-shortening question as its opening point.
The proposed question asked citizens if they agreed with the National Council of the Slovak Republic adopting a resolution to shorten its ninth term and set a date for early elections.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
President Pellegrini deemed the question unconstitutional, arguing that allowing it would constitute a one-time violation of the constitution. He noted that the Slovak Constitutional Court had previously ruled on a similar matter and felt it unnecessary to consult the court again.
He also stated that it is not possible to obligate lawmakers, through a referendum, to independently shorten their term.
Opposition Criticizes Decision as Support for Fico’s Government
The Democrats’ petition, “Enough of Fico,” included the question of shortening the parliamentary term despite the ruling coalition’s ability to block opposition motions for self-dissolution. A referendum was seen as a potential solution.
Media outlets pointed out that the current situation differs from 2023, when parliament voted to shorten its term after first amending the constitution to allow for self-dissolution, then scheduling early elections.
Remaining Questions Focus on Pensions and Agencies
The Democrats and other opposition parties criticized Pellegrini’s decision, viewing it as support for Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government. The referendum will now focus on the two remaining questions.
These questions concern lifetime pensions, introduced by the current ruling coalition and granted to figures like Prime Minister Fico, and the restoration of specialized prosecution and police units dissolved under the current cabinet.
Referendum Requirements and Validity
A referendum is called by the Slovak President if at least 350,000 citizens request it through a petition. The constitution stipulates that the referendum is valid if over half of eligible voters participate and a majority vote is cast.
