The question of alcohol use, behaviour, and standards in the Slovak Parliament has moved to the centre of political debate in Slovakia. Parliament Speaker Richard Raši said there is currently no legal way to require MPs to undergo alcohol testing, stressing that lawmakers are elected officials with a four-year mandate, not employees. According to Raši, no parliament in Europe has mandatory breath testing for MPs, precisely because their mandate comes directly from voters and cannot be revoked during the term. MPs can be expelled from the chamber and face financial penalties if they disrupt proceedings or behave undignifiedly.
The debate comes alongside changes to parliamentary rules and the introduction of a new Code of Ethics for MPs. These measures also address appearance and conduct, with Raši arguing that MPs should dress formally and behave in a way that reflects the dignity of the institution. The ethical code was adjusted after concerns that it could limit free speech.
According to MP for Hlas-SD Miroslav Čellár, language referring to MPs’ public and media statements was rewritten to ensure lawmakers are not punished for legitimate criticism, as long as it remains respectful and avoids insults or vulgarity. Restrictions on wearing symbolic badges or ribbons were also eased, except for party-political symbols. Raši rejected claims that new rules would restrict journalists working in parliament, saying no ethical code or regulation targeting the media is being prepared.
Source: TASR, STVR
