BRATISLAVA, October 19, (WEBNOVINY) — Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska (SDKU-DS) said on Wednesday that cannot imagine cooperation with the opposition SMER-SD leader Robert Fico in decision-making on judiciary-related issues. “This is really something that I cannot imagine,” she said following a news conference in parliament.
Parliament voted earlier on Wednesday to approve the second package of judicial drafts aimed at removing procrastinations in court proceedings and also more consistent sanctioning of judges based on their assessment. However, the minister has withdrawn from the parliamentary agenda an amendment to the constitution that was aimed to decouple the post of Supreme Court president from the post of the Judicial Council chairman. The measure is aimed at stripping Supreme Court President Stefan Harabin of the top job in the Judicial Council. “In this situation it is not appropriate to strive for ninety votes [required to change the Constitution — SITA note]. It would look as a farce,” explained Zitnanska. She however pledged that this solution will be included in her party’s election program in the next election term.
SMER-SD Chairman Robert Fico reacted that it is childish to open now the topic who will go with whom after elections. If someone thinks that s/he will bring personal likes and dislikes in forming a new cabinet s/he should forget about it as Slovakia has to solve much more serious issues than personal antipathies Fico said. He added he would never comment statements of politicians who said with whom they will ally and with whom not.
SITA