The Senate’s Constitutional Affairs Commission has approved the government’s amendment to the Constitution, which modifies article 92 and introduces direct elections for the President of the Council of Ministers. As per the new text, the government is made up of the Prime Minister and ministers, who together constitute the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister is elected through universal and direct suffrage for a five-year term, with no more than two consecutive legislatures or three if they have held office for less than seven years and six months in previous ones. Elections for the Chambers and Prime Minister take place simultaneously.
The law regulates the system for electing Chambers and Prime Minister, awarding a national prize that ensures a majority of seats in each Chamber for lists and candidates linked to the Prime Minister, in accordance with representativeness principles. The Prime Minister is elected in the Chamber where they presented their candidacy, and the President of the Republic appoints or revokes ministers on their proposal.
This amendment marks a significant change in the election process, resulting in a more direct and democratic system for selecting heads of government. By introducing direct suffrage for Prime Minister, this modification aims to increase transparency and accountability in politics. Additionally, it streamlines government formation by allowing elected Prime Minsters to appoint or revoke ministers. Overall, this amendment represents an essential step towards a more representative and responsive government structure.
