Premier Presents Proposal for Change in Constitution and Is Open to Discussion

Bratislava, January 27 (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) presented a proposal for a change to the Slovak Constitution during a press conference on Monday, stating that the proposal isn't final and he's open to discussions on potential amendments. The proposed concept of constitutional changes covers five areas, with the first being Slovakia's sovereignty in value-based and cultural-ethical matters. According to the proposal, legally binding acts of the European Union that conflict with the Constitution of Slovakia should not take precedence over it, and the same would apply to international agreements. The proposed changes also suggest that Slovakia would recognise only male and female genders, with gender changes allowed only for serious reasons. Additionally, only married couples would be permitted to adopt a child. "A minor child can be adopted by married couple or by one spouse who lives with the child's parent in marriage, or by the surviving spouse of the parent or adopter," Fico explained. He also noted that, in exceptional cases, a single person, such as a grandparent in the event of both parents' deaths, could adopt a child. The proposed changes also state that schools will teach only what is in accordance with the constitution, and parental consent will be required for anything beyond that. The proposal also aims to enshrine in the constitution the guarantee of equality between men and women in terms of pay for work performed. "We are prepared for any changes and interventions. These are the topics we want to discuss openly with both the public and our partners," stated the premier. "I'm not interested in any political race. If there's no interest in this type of constitutional amendment, I believe we have other matters to focus on," he added. lin