The proposed referendum question on the immediate resignation of the Government is not in accordance with the Slovak Constitution, Constitutional Court head Ivan Fiacan stated following the court's behind-closed-doors session on Wednesday. "The Constitutional Court concluded that the subject of the referendum is contrary to the principle of generality of law, to the principle of separation of powers, and thus it is contrary to the Constitution," said Fiacan. With this decision, the Constitutional Court followed up on its finding last year regarding a similar referendum question on shortening the parliamentary term.
Robert Fico, chair of the opposition Smer-SD party, which initiated the referendum, said at a press conference in Kosice on Wednesday that he respects the decision of the court, adding that it is important that the referendum will be held. "We've achieved success. The referendum will be held. And it'll be about a change to the Constitution that will allow an early election. Today's decision doesn't disturb us, because it has absolutely no influence on the conduct of the referendum," said Fico, adding that the referendum will include the question they consider to be the most serious.
The non-parliamentary Voice-SD party, which also collected signatures for the referendum, was not happy with the decision of the Constitutional Court. “Today, the Constitutional Court announced to the people that it's not within their power to end the Government of Igor Matovic and Eduard Heger," reads the statement released by the Voice-SD. The Voice party is concerned that the outcome of such a decision by the Constitutional Court would only fuel the fires of public frustration and anger.
President Zuzana Caputova, who originally sent her doubts regarding one of the referendum questions on whether people agree that the government should resign without delay, respects the decision. She will call for the referendum at the earliest possible date, after this court decision is published in the Collection of Laws.
Source: TASR
