New rules tilt balance towards lower house in constitutional amendments
Summary
The House of Representatives passed new rules expanding the Speaker's authority in constitutional amendments, allowing certification if combined votes from both houses reach a two-thirds majority, bypassing the National Assembly's separate approval. This change has sparked constitutional concerns.
Key Points
- The House of Representatives approved new procedural rules expanding the Speaker's powers in constitutional amendments.
- The new rule allows certification of constitutional amendments if combined votes from both houses meet a two-thirds majority, even without separate National Assembly approval.
- Constitutional experts argue this provision contradicts established norms requiring two-thirds approval in each house.
- The rules also introduced provisions on impeachment motions and defined unparliamentary language for the first time.
