Original scientific paper
A Few Comparative Elements for Discussion on Croatian Parliament
Branko Smerdel
; Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The discussion about the character and actual role of the parliament in Croatia does not easily differentiate political and scientific opinions, which agrees with the experiences of advanced democracies. The author considers a scientific debate possible, however, if it is fundamental in the comparative method, and formulates three comparative starting points for such a debate. First, the historical role of the parliament as a symbol of Croatian statehood must be considered. The author considers that in the second half of the 19th century, the power of the governer (ban) was significantly more important in the preservation of Croatian sovereignty than the parliament. Second, a critical grading of the socialist theories on the rule of representative assembly is necessary. These have considerable influence on policy and theoretical discussion in post-socialist countries. Third, caution must be used in approaching western-style parliamentarism, where the seat of power is in the executive, and the parliament plays only a minor control function. The author suggests that the discussion about the Croatian parliament concentrates upon increasing constitutional and functional possibilities and roles; for example, through institutions of parliamentary investigations, interpellations and ombudsman.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
111123
URI
Publication date:
1.12.1993.
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