Government Passes Legislation Expanding Parliamentary Inquiry Powers
The Slovenian government’s right-wing coalition has enacted changes intended to streamline the process for initiating parliamentary inquiries. The new legislation allows for the introduction of an inquiry to be disputed by the Constitutional Court solely through the Judicial Council or the General State Prosecutor. Previously, individuals subject to an inquiry could challenge its initiation.
Prime Minister Robert Golob expressed concerns regarding the potential implications of this shift, stating, “And now imagine that the same ruling-making policy, without any safeguard, without any justification, just because they don’t like you, because they don’t agree with your values, introduces an inquiry against you. An inquiry in which they will investigate not only your bank accounts and phone directories, but everything about you. Because there will be no legal protection.”
The legislation has drawn criticism, with opposition figures arguing it removes crucial safeguards.
Andrej Poglajen (SDS) refuted these claims, asserting, “The law still maintains the possibility of legal protection for those for whom the Constitutional Court has decided.”
The change introduces a system where the potential target of an inquiry lacks the ability to directly challenge its commencement. The government maintains the intention is to enhance parliamentary oversight, while critics argue the lack of established safeguards raises concerns about potential abuses.
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