HDZ insists on holding an extraordinary session of the FBiH Parliament: The Constitution must not be suspended

(Patria) - Regarding the scheduled session of the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament for March 31, HDZ also commented, demanding that the session be held, despite the order of the cantonal Civil Protection Headquarters from Sarajevo prohibiting gatherings of more than 20 people.

"The HDZ BiH-HNS Caucus of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation insists on the work of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the holding of the 8th extraordinary session of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina convened for Tuesday, March 31, 2020," HDZ stated.

At that session, it is planned to adopt a decision to amend the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives, which will enable the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the FBiH to work using modern technologies.

"During the session, as well as decision-making in the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament, by adopting amendments to the Rules of Procedure, the application of democratic standards and the rule of law would be maintained during a state of natural or other disaster in the Federation of BiH. At the same time, the legislative body would be able to pass laws on the performance of federal government functions without hindrance, and political games leading to the suspension of the Constitution of the Federation of BiH would be prevented. Certain political representatives in the executive branch of the Federation of BiH have already expressed a desire to prescribe criminal provisions and provisions on deprivation of liberty through a Decree with the force of law, which, in its provisions, with high probability, derogates from the rights and freedoms established by the Constitution of the FBiH and prescribes certain norms that are already prescribed by the Criminal Code of the Federation of BiH, violating the principles of constitutionality and legality," HDZ stated.

They further emphasize that despite the epidemiological situation in the world, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, parliaments of neighboring countries, as well as the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska, are holding sessions, passing acts within their jurisdiction, and at the proposal of the executive branch, adopting packages of measures and aid to the economy, healthcare, and especially the real sector, which has remained completely unprotected.

"Precisely because of the employees in the real sector, there is no reason why the representatives of the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament should not share the fate of many citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who, during this time of the coronavirus pandemic, are exposed and working at their workplaces. It is necessary to show solidarity with the people and adopt all legal regulations that will at least partially alleviate these difficult health and economic times for the peoples and citizens of BiH, and by our work show that we are truly doing our job, which is expected of us. Representatives should be provided with work, while adhering to all prescribed protection conditions in accordance with the acts of the FBiH Civil Protection Headquarters, and by adopting amendments to the Rules of Procedure, improvisation in the legislation of the Federation of BiH, as well as the desires of individuals and groups who would suspend the Constitution for 30 days or longer, would be prevented," HDZ concluded.