President Ivan Gašparovič wants lighter penalties for healthcare workers who refuse to come to work during a state of emergency. According to current law, they could lose their registration for up to ten years. Gašparovič who vetoed the passed amendment to the Criminal Code earlier this month argues it is excessive and should be reconsidered. According to various statements made by MPs, Parliament is likely to accommodate the President's objection. Constitutional Committee also agrees with the President and recommends reducing the loss of registration to a maximum of two years.
In addition, Gašparovič also objects to a reduction in the minimum punishment for drug-related crimes from four to three years, a measure that would allow courts to give probation sentences. President feels like such a change would give an advantage "not only to possessors of such substances who use them only for their own needs but also to dealers", and, "ergo, it creates room for making drugs more accessible". However, in this case, he might not find any support as Parliament's Constitutional Committee recommends that Parliament should stick to a three-year minimum.
