BRATISLAVA, October 21, (WEBNOVINY) — On Friday evening, the Slovak Parliament greenlighted a constitutional draft amendment that will enable President Gasparovic to authorize the Cabinet of Iveta Radicova to remain in office in a caretaker role until a new government is appointed formed after early elections in March 2012. The mandate of this Cabinet will be limited. In the 150-member parliament, as many as 139 lawmakers voted in favor of the draft amendment. When signed into law by the head of state, the norm will take effect on the day of its publication in the Collection of Laws.
The Cabinet will be allowed to execute independently only its constitutional powers. The implementation of powers enacted in other laws will require prior approval by the president on a case-by-case basis. The interim Cabinet will not pass decisions on substantial economic and social measures, internal and foreign policy and amnesties regarding transgressions. It will not be authorized to appoint and dismiss members of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic and negotiate international treaties. However, the Cabinet will be allowed to continue in preparations and approval of the state budget, make decisions on draft bills and issue regulations. The Cabinet will have the competence to declare war, order mobilization, and announce a state of emergency.
The voting was the last point on the program of the 24th parliamentary session. Shortly after the ballot, Parliament Speaker Pavol Hrusovsky (KDH) ended the session.
SITA