President Peter Pellegrini has signed an amendment to the Parliamentary rules of procedure, saying it is up to parliament to regulate its internal affairs as long as constitutional limits are respected. The reform introduces a maximum debate time of 37.5 hours per agenda item. It also limits speaking time, with proposers and rapporteurs allowed ten minutes for opening and closing remarks and up to 40 minutes in debate.
The amendment tightens rules on conduct in the chamber, allowing the chair to expel disruptive MPs and imposing the loss of one monthly salary as a sanction. It bans the use of banners and phone calls in the chamber, defines a “discreet zone” around the lectern, and introduces basic dress rules. MPs will no longer have to read out amendments in full, as long as they are published in advance. The new rules will take effect on May 15.
Source: TASR
