The technical amendment to the banking law is a farce. MPs brazenly violate the principles of law adoption
The amendment to the banking law in Slovakia has been criticized for including numerous unrelated changes, which are being approved in violation of parliamentary rules.
The recent amendment to Slovakia's banking law has drawn heavy criticism for containing numerous unrelated attachments, leading to accusations that parliament members are ignoring established rules during the legislative process. Despite formally prohibiting the approval of these attachments, MPs are reportedly finding ways to circumvent these rules during debates. This amendment, which is meant to integrate several European directives into Slovak legislation, has become a symbol of the disregard for parliamentary procedures.
During Wednesday's parliamentary session, MPs engaged in heated debates over these attachments, with approximately 15 unrelated changes being pushed into the banking law at the last minute. These changes range from opposition attempts to eliminate taxes on transactions to a delay in the obligation for retailers to accept cashless payments by two months. Such last-minute amendments not only clutter the legislative process but also raise concerns about the transparency and accountability of lawmaking in Slovakia.
This situation is indicative of a broader trend in which legislative processes are increasingly undermined by tactical maneuverings within parliament. As the public grows more aware of these legislative irregularities, questions arise about the effectiveness and integrity of policymaking in Slovakia, as well as the implications for citizen trust in their elected representatives.