Slovakia amends constitution, government rules till election

The Slovak House on Friday passed an amendment to the Constitution that will enable the government to rule without confidence from parliament until a new government is elected. The legislation, discussed in a fast-tracked procedure, received support from 139 lawmakers. Under the new constitutional provisions, the temporary government will enjoy only limited powers to pass legislative proposals and proposals on the state budget, declaration of war, mobilisation of the armed forces, etc. The government will be authorised to make decisions on other issues stemming from laws, but only with the consent of the president. The temporary cabinet will have no powers over economic and social policies and substantial issues pertaining to internal and foreign policies.