Slovenia 1991 (rev. 2013)

Source of constitutional authority, Preamble, Right to self determination

Preamble

Proceeding from the Basic Constitutional Charter on the Sovereignty and Independence of the Republic of Slovenia, and from fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the fundamental and permanent right of the Slovene nation to self-determination; and from the historical fact that in a centuries-long struggle for national liberation we Slovenes have established our national identity and asserted our statehood, the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia hereby adopts

I. General Provisions

Type of government envisioned

Article 1

Slovenia is a democratic republic.

Article 2

Slovenia is a state governed by the rule of law and a social state.

Article 3

Slovenia is a state of all its citizens and is founded on the permanent and inalienable right of the Slovene nation to self-determination.

In Slovenia power is vested in the people. Citizens exercise this power directly and through elections, consistent with the principle of the separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers.

Regional group(s), Treaty ratification, International organizations

Article 3a

Pursuant to a treaty ratified by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies, Slovenia may transfer the exercise of part of its sovereign rights to international organisations which are based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the principles of the rule of law and may enter into a defensive alliance with states which are based on respect for these values.

Referenda

Before ratifying a treaty referred to in the preceding paragraph, the National Assembly may call a referendum. A proposal shall pass at the referendum if a majority of voters who have cast valid votes vote in favour of such. The National Assembly is bound by the result of such referendum. If such referendum has been held, a referendum regarding the law on the ratification of the treaty concerned may not be called.

Legal acts and decisions adopted within international organisations to which Slovenia has transferred the exercise of part of its sovereign rights shall be applied in Slovenia in accordance with the legal regulation of these organisations.

In procedures for the adoption of legal acts and decisions in international organisations to which Slovenia has transferred the exercise of part of its sovereign rights, the Government shall promptly inform the National Assembly of proposals for such acts and decisions as well as of its own activities. The National Assembly may adopt positions thereon, which the Government shall take into consideration in its activities. The relationship between the National Assembly and the Government arising from this paragraph shall be regulated in detail by a law adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of deputies present.

Article 4

Slovenia is a territorially unified and indivisible state.

Article 5

In its own territory, the state shall protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall protect and guarantee the rights of the autochthonous Italian and Hungarian national communities. It shall maintain concern for autochthonous Slovene national minorities in neighbouring countries and for Slovene emigrants and workers abroad and shall foster their contacts with the homeland. It shall provide for the preservation of the natural wealth and cultural heritage and create opportunities for the harmonious development of society and culture in Slovenia.

Slovenes not holding Slovene citizenship may enjoy special rights and privileges in Slovenia. The nature and extent of such rights and privileges shall be regulated by law.

Article 6

The coat-of-arms of Slovenia has the form of a shield. In the middle of the shield, on a blue background, is a representation of Mount Triglav in white, under which there are two undulating blue lines symbolising the sea and rivers and above which there are three golden, six-pointed stars forming a downward-pointing triangle. The shield is bordered in red. The coat-of-arms is designed in accordance with a set standard of geometry and colour.

National flag

The flag of Slovenia is the white-blue-red Slovene national flag with the coat-of-arms of Slovenia. The ratio of the width of the flag to the length thereof is one to two. The colours of the flag are in the following order: white, blue and red. Each colour occupies a horizontal band covering one third of the area of the flag. The coat-of-arms is positioned in the upper left portion of the flag such that it lies with one half in the white field and the other in the blue field.

National anthem

The national anthem of Slovenia is "Zdravljica".

The use of the coat-of-arms, the flag and the national anthem shall be provided by law.

Article 7

Separation of church and state

The state and religious communities shall be separate.

Freedom of religion

Religious communities shall enjoy equal rights; they shall pursue their activities freely.

International law, Legal status of treaties, Customary international law

Article 8

Laws and regulations must comply with generally accepted principles of international law and with treaties that are binding on Slovenia. Ratified and published treaties shall be applied directly.

Article 9

Local self-government in Slovenia is guaranteed.

National capital

Article 10

The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana.

Official or national languages, Protection of language use, Integration of ethnic communities

Article 11

The official language in Slovenia is Slovene. In those municipalities where Italian or Hungarian national communities reside, Italian or Hungarian shall also be official languages.

Requirements for birthright citizenship

Article 12

Slovene citizenship shall be regulated by law.

International law

Article 13

In accordance with treaties, aliens in Slovenia enjoy all the rights guaranteed by this Constitution and laws, except for those rights that pursuant to this Constitution or law only citizens of Slovenia enjoy.

II. Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

General guarantee of equality

Article 14. Equality before the Law

Equality regardless of political party, Equality regardless of gender, Equality regardless of origin, Equality regardless of parentage, Equality regardless of religion, Equality for persons with disabilities, Equality regardless of language, Equality regardless of race, Equality regardless of social status, Equality regardless of financial status, Equality regardless of creed or belief

In Slovenia everyone shall be guaranteed equal human rights and fundamental freedoms irrespective of national origin, race, sex, language, religion, political or other conviction, material standing, birth, education, social status, disability or any other personal circumstance.

All are equal before the law.

Article 15. Exercise and Limitation of Rights

Human rights and fundamental freedoms shall be exercised directly on the basis of the Constitution.

The manner in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are exercised may be regulated by law whenever the Constitution so provides or where this is necessary due to the particular nature of an individual right or freedom.

Human rights and fundamental freedoms shall be limited only by the rights of others and in such cases as are provided by this Constitution.

Judicial protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the right to obtain redress for the violation of such rights and freedoms, shall be guaranteed.

No human right or fundamental freedom regulated by legal acts in force in Slovenia may be restricted on the grounds that this Constitution does not recognise that right or freedom or recognises it to a lesser extent.

Inalienable rights, Emergency provisions

Article 16. Temporary Suspension and Restriction of Rights

Human rights and fundamental freedoms provided by this Constitution may exceptionally be temporarily suspended or restricted during a war and state of emergency. Human rights and fundamental freedoms may be suspended or restricted only for the duration of the war or state of emergency, but only to the extent required by such circumstances and inasmuch as the measures adopted do not create inequality based solely on race, national origin, sex, language, religion, political or other conviction, material standing, birth, education, social status or any other personal circumstance.

The provision of the preceding paragraph does not allow any temporary suspension or restriction of the rights provided by Articles 17, 18, 21, 27, 28, 29 and 41.

Prohibition of capital punishment, Right to life

Article 17. Inviolability of Human Life

Human life is inviolable. There is no capital punishment in Slovenia.

Reference to science, Prohibition of torture, Prohibition of cruel treatment

Article 18. Prohibition of Torture

No one may be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment. The conducting of medical or other scientific experiments on any person without his free consent is prohibited.

Article 19. Protection of Personal Liberty

Everyone has the right to personal liberty.

No one may be deprived of his liberty except in such cases and pursuant to such procedures as are provided by law.

Right to counsel, Trial in native language of accused, Protection from self-incrimination

Anyone deprived of his liberty must be immediately informed in his mother tongue, or in a language which he understands, of the reasons for being deprived of his liberty. Within the shortest possible time thereafter, he must also be informed in writing of why he has been deprived of his liberty. He must be instructed immediately that he is not obliged to make any statement, that he has the right to immediate legal representation of his own free choice and that the competent authority must, on his request, notify his relatives or those close to him of the deprivation of his liberty.

Protection from unjustified restraint

Article 20. Orders for and Duration of Detention

A person reasonably suspected of having committed a criminal offence may be detained only on the basis of a court order when this is absolutely necessary for the course of criminal proceedings or for reasons of public safety.

Right to appeal judicial decisions

Upon detention, but not later than twenty-four hours thereafter, the person detained must be handed the written court order with a statement of reasons. The person detained has the right to appeal against the court order, and such appeal must be decided by a court within forty-eight hours. Detention may last only as long as there are legal reasons for such, but no longer than three months from the day of the deprivation of liberty. The Supreme Court may extend the detention a further three months.

If no charges are brought by the end of these terms, the suspected person shall be released.

Prohibition of corporal punishment, Human dignity

Article 21. Protection of Human Personality and Dignity

Respect for human personality and dignity shall be guaranteed in criminal and in all other legal proceedings, as well as during the deprivation of liberty and enforcement of punitive sanctions.

Regulation of evidence collection

Violence of any form on any person whose liberty has been restricted in any way is prohibited, as is the use of any form of coercion in obtaining confessions and statements.

General guarantee of equality

Article 22. Equal Protection of Rights

Everyone shall be guaranteed equal protection of rights in any proceeding before a court and before other state authorities, local community authorities and bearers of public authority that decide on his rights, duties or legal interests.

Right to speedy trial

Article 23. Right to Judicial Protection

Right to fair trial

Everyone has the right to have any decision regarding his rights, duties and any charges brought against him made without undue delay by an independent, impartial court constituted by law.

Only a judge duly appointed pursuant to rules previously established by law and by judicial regulations may judge such an individual.

Right to public trial

Article 24. Public Nature of Court Proceedings

Court hearings shall be public. Judgements shall be pronounced publicly. Exceptions shall be provided by law.

Right to appeal judicial decisions

Article 25. Right to Legal Remedies

Everyone shall be guaranteed the right to appeal or to any other legal remedy against the decisions of courts and other state authorities, local community authorities and bearers of public authority by which his rights, duties or legal interests are determined.

Ultra-vires administrative actions

Article 26. Right to Compensation

Everyone has the right to compensation for damage caused through unlawful actions in connection with the performance of any function or other activity by a person or body performing such function or activity under state authority, local community authority or as a bearer of public authority.

Any person suffering damage has the right to demand, in accordance with the law, compensation also directly from the person or body that has caused damage.

Presumption of innocence in trials

Article 27. Presumption of Innocence

Any person charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until found guilty in a final judgement.

Principle of no punishment without law, Protection from ex post facto laws

Article 28. Principle of Legality in Criminal Law

No one may be punished for an act which had not been declared a criminal offence under law, or for which a penalty had not been prescribed, at the time the act was performed.

Acts that are criminal shall be established and the resulting penalties pronounced according to the law that was in force at the time the act was performed, save where a more recent law adopted is more lenient towards the offender.

Right to fair trial

Article 29. Legal Guarantees in Criminal Proceedings

Anyone charged with a criminal offence must, in addition to absolute equality, be guaranteed the following rights:

  • the right to have adequate time and facilities to prepare his defence;

    the right to be present at his trial and to conduct his own defence or to be defended by a legal representative;

    the right to present all evidence to his benefit;

    Protection from self-incrimination

    the right not to incriminate himself or his relatives or those close to him, or to admit guilt.

Protection from false imprisonment

Article 30. Right to Rehabilitation and Compensation

Any person unjustly convicted of a criminal offence or deprived of his liberty without due cause has the right to rehabilitation and compensation, and other rights provided by law.

Prohibition of double jeopardy

Article 31. Prohibition of Double Jeopardy

No one may be sentenced or punished twice for the same criminal offence for which criminal proceedings were dismissed finally, or for which the charge was finally rejected, or for which the person was acquitted or convicted by final judgement.

Freedom of movement

Article 32. Freedom of Movement

Everyone has the right to freedom of movement, to choose his place of residence, to leave the country and to return at any time.

This right may be limited by law, but only where this is necessary to ensure the course of criminal proceedings, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, to protect public order or if the defence of the state so demands.

Restrictions on entry or exit

Entry into the country by aliens, and the duration of their stay in the country, may be limited on the basis of law.

Right to transfer property, Right to own property

Article 33. Right to Private Property and Inheritance

The right to private property and inheritance shall be guaranteed.

Human dignity

Article 34. Right to Personal Dignity and Safety

Everyone has the right to personal dignity and safety.

Right to privacy

Article 35. Protection of Right to Privacy and Personality Rights

The inviolability of the physical and mental integrity of every person, his privacy and personality rights shall be guaranteed.

Right to privacy, Regulation of evidence collection

Article 36. Inviolability of Dwellings

Dwellings are inviolable.

No one may, without a court order, enter the dwelling or other premises of another person, nor may he search the same, against the will of the resident.

Any person whose dwelling or other premises are searched has the right to be present or to have a representative present.

Such a search may only be conducted in the presence of two witnesses.

Subject to conditions provided by law, an official may enter the dwelling or other premises of another person without a court order, and may in exceptional circumstances conduct a search in the absence of witnesses, where this is absolutely necessary for the direct apprehension of a person who has committed a criminal offence or to protect people or property.

Right to privacy

Article 37. Protection of the Privacy of Correspondence and Other Means of Communication

The privacy of correspondence and other means of communication shall be guaranteed.

Only a law may prescribe that on the basis of a court order the protection of the privacy of correspondence and other means of communication and the inviolability of personal privacy be suspended for a set time where such is necessary for the institution or course of criminal proceedings or for reasons of national security.

Article 38. Protection of Personal Data

The protection of personal data shall be guaranteed. The use of personal data contrary to the purpose for which it was collected is prohibited.

The collection, processing, designated use, supervision and protection of the confidentiality of personal data shall be provided by law.

Right to information

Everyone has the right of access to the collected personal data that relates to him and the right to judicial protection in the event of any abuse of such data.

Freedom of press, Freedom of expression

Article 39. Freedom of Expression

Freedom of opinion/thought/conscience

Freedom of expression of thought, freedom of speech and public appearance, of the press and other forms of public communication and expression shall be guaranteed. Everyone may freely collect, receive and disseminate information and opinions.

Right to information

Except in such cases as are provided by law, everyone has the right to obtain information of a public nature in which he has a well founded legal interest under law.

Right to protect one's reputation

Article 40. Right to Correction and Reply

The right to correct published information which has damaged a right or interest of an individual, organisation or body shall be guaranteed, as shall be the right to reply to such published information.

Freedom of religion, Freedom of opinion/thought/conscience

Article 41. Freedom of Conscience

Religious and other beliefs may be freely professed in private and public life.

No one shall be obliged to declare his religious or other beliefs.

Parents have the right to provide their children with a religious and moral upbringing in accordance with their beliefs. The religious and moral guidance given to children must be appropriate to their age and maturity, and be consistent with their free conscience and religious and other beliefs or convictions.

Article 42. Right of Assembly and Association

Freedom of assembly

The right of peaceful assembly and public meeting shall be guaranteed.

Freedom of association

Everyone has the right to freedom of association with others.

Freedom of assembly, Freedom of association

Legal restrictions of these rights shall be permissible where so required for national security or public safety and for protection against the spread of infectious diseases.

Restrictions on the armed forces

Professional members of the defence forces and the police may not be members of political parties.

Restrictions on voting

Article 43. Right to Vote

Claim of universal suffrage

The right to vote shall be universal and equal.

Every citizen who has attained the age of eighteen years has the right to vote and be elected.

The law may provide in which cases and under what conditions aliens have the right to vote.

The law shall provide measures for encouraging the equal opportunity of men and women in standing for election to state authorities and local community authorities.

Article 44. Participation in the Management of Public Affairs

Every citizen has the right, in accordance with the law, to participate either directly or through elected representatives in the management of public affairs.

Right of petition

Article 45. Right to Petition

Every citizen has the right to file petitions and to pursue other initiatives of general significance.

Right to conscientious objection

Article 46. Right to Conscientious Objection

Conscientious objection shall be permissible in cases provided by law where this does not limit the rights and freedoms of others.

Extradition procedure, International organizations, International law

Article 47. Extradition

No citizen of Slovenia may be extradited or surrendered unless such obligation to extradite or surrender arises from a treaty by which, in accordance with the provisions of the first paragraph of Article 3a, Slovenia has transferred the exercise of part of its sovereign rights to an international organisation.

Protection of stateless persons

Article 48. Asylum

Within the limits of the law, the right of asylum shall be recognised for foreign nationals and stateless persons who are subject to persecution for their commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Right to choose occupation

Article 49. Freedom of Work

Freedom of work shall be guaranteed.

Everyone shall choose his employment freely.

Prohibition of slavery

Everyone shall have access under equal conditions to any position of employment. Forced labour shall be prohibited.

Article 50. Right to Social Security

Citizens have the right to social security, including the right to a pension, under conditions provided by law.

State support for the disabled

The state shall regulate compulsory health, pension, disability and other social insurance, and shall ensure its proper functioning.

Special protection in accordance with the law shall be guaranteed to war veterans and victims of war.

Right to health care

Article 51. Right to Health Care

Everyone has the right to health care under conditions provided by law.

The rights to health care from public funds shall be provided by law.

No one may be compelled to undergo medical treatment except in cases provided by law.

State support for the disabled

Article 52. Rights of Disabled Persons

Disabled persons shall be guaranteed protection and work-training in accordance with the law.

Physically or mentally handicapped children and other severely disabled persons have the right to education and training for an active life in society.

The education and training referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be financed from public funds.

Regulation of marriage

Article 53. Marriage and the Family

Provision for matrimonial equality

Marriage is based on the equality of spouses. Marriages shall be solemnised before an empowered state authority.

Marriage and the legal relations within it and the family, as well as those within an extramarital union, shall be regulated by law.

The state shall protect the family, motherhood, fatherhood, children and young people and shall create the necessary conditions for such protection.

Rights of children

Article 54. Rights and Duties of Parents

Parents have the right and duty to maintain, educate and raise their children. This right and duty may be revoked or restricted only for such reasons as are provided by law in order to protect the child's interests.

Children born out of wedlock have the same rights as children born within it.

Right to found a family

Article 55. Freedom of Choice in Childbearing

Everyone shall be free to decide whether to bear children.

The state shall guarantee the opportunities for exercising this freedom and shall create such conditions as will enable parents to decide to bear children.

Rights of children, State support for children

Article 56. Rights of Children

Children shall enjoy special protection and care. Children shall enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms consistent with their age and maturity.

Children shall be guaranteed special protection from economic, social, physical, mental or other exploitation and abuse. Such protection shall be regulated by law.

Children and minors who are not cared for by their parents, who have no parents or who are without proper family care shall enjoy the special protection of the state. Their position shall be regulated by law.

Article 57. Education and Schooling

Freedom of education shall be guaranteed.

Free education, Compulsory education

Primary education is compulsory and shall be financed from public funds.

The state shall create the opportunities for citizens to obtain a proper education.

Right to academic freedom

Article 58. Autonomy of Universities and Other Institutions of Higher Education

State universities and state institutions of higher education shall be autonomous.

The manner of their financing shall be regulated by law.

Reference to science, Reference to art

Article 59. Freedom of Science and the Arts

The freedom of scientific and artistic endeavour shall be guaranteed.

Reference to science, Provisions for intellectual property, Reference to art

Article 60. Intellectual Property Rights

The protection of copyright and other rights deriving from artistic, scientific, research and invention activities shall be guaranteed.

Protection of language use, Right to culture

Article 61. Expression of National Affiliation

Everyone has the right to freely express affiliation with his nation or national community, to foster and give expression to his culture and to use his language and script.

Protection of language use

Article 62. Right to Use One's Language and Script

Everyone has the right to use his language and script in a manner provided by law in the exercise of his rights and duties and in procedures before state and other bodies performing a public function.

Article 63. Prohibition of Incitement to Discrimination and Intolerance and Prohibition of Incitement to Violence and War

Any incitement to national, racial, religious or other discrimination, and the inflaming of national, racial, religious or other hatred and intolerance are unconstitutional.

Any incitement to violence and war is unconstitutional.

Integration of ethnic communities, Right to culture

Article 64. Special Rights of the Autochthonous Italian and Hungarian National Communities in Slovenia

Protection of language use, Reference to science

The autochthonous Italian and Hungarian national communities and their members shall be guaranteed the right to use their national symbols freely and, in order to preserve their national identity, the right to establish organisations and develop economic, cultural, scientific and research activities, as well as activities in the field of public media and publishing. In accordance with laws, these two national communities and their members have the right to education and schooling in their own languages, as well as the right to establish and develop such education and schooling. The geographic areas in which bilingual schools are compulsory shall be established by law. These national communities and their members shall be guaranteed the right to foster relations with their nations of origin and their respective countries. The state shall provide material and moral support for the exercise of these rights.

Indigenous right to self governance

In order to exercise their rights, the members of these communities shall establish their own self-governing communities in the geographic areas where they live. On the proposal of these self-governing national communities, the state may authorise them to perform certain functions under national jurisdiction, and shall provide funds for the performing of such functions.

Indigenous right to representation

The two national communities shall be directly represented in representative bodies of local self-government and in the National Assembly.

The position of the Italian and Hungarian national communities and the manner in which their rights are exercised in the geographic areas where they live, the obligations of the self-governing local communities for the exercise of these rights, and those rights which the members of these national communities exercise also outside these areas, shall all be regulated by law. The rights of both national communities and their members shall be guaranteed irrespective of the number of members of these communities.

Laws, regulations and other general acts that concern the exercise of the constitutionally provided rights and the position of the national communities exclusively, may not be adopted without the consent of representatives of these national communities.

Integration of ethnic communities

Article 65. Status and Special Rights of the Romany Community in Slovenia

The status and special rights of the Romany community living in Slovenia shall be regulated by law.

III. Economic and Social Relations

Right to work

Article 66. Security of Employment

The state shall create opportunities for employment and work, and shall ensure the protection of both by law.

Article 67. Property

The manner in which property is acquired and enjoyed shall be established by law so as to ensure its economic, social and environmental function.

Right to transfer property

The manner and conditions of inheritance shall be established by law.

International law

Article 68. Property Rights of Aliens

Aliens may acquire ownership rights to real estate under conditions provided by law or a treaty ratified by the National Assembly.

Protection from expropriation

Article 69. Expropriation

Ownership rights to real estate may be revoked or limited in the public interest with the provision of compensation in kind or monetary compensation under conditions established by law.

Ownership of natural resources

Article 70. National Assets and Natural Resources

Special rights to use national assets may be acquired, subject to conditions established by law.

The conditions under which natural resources may be exploited shall be established by law.

The law may provide that natural resources may also be exploited by foreign persons and shall establish the conditions for such exploitation.

Article 71. Protection of Land

The law shall establish special conditions for land utilisation in order to ensure its proper use.

Special protection of agricultural land shall be provided by law.

Provisions for wealth redistribution

The state shall promote the economic, cultural and social advancement of the population living in mountain and hill areas.

Protection of environment

Article 72. Healthy Living Environment

Everyone has the right in accordance with the law to a healthy living environment.

The state shall promote a healthy living environment. To this end, the conditions and manner in which economic and other activities are pursued shall be established by law.

The law shall establish under which conditions and to what extent a person who has damaged the living environment is obliged to provide compensation.

The protection of animals from cruelty shall be regulated by law.

Protection of environment, Right to culture

Article 73. Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage

Everyone is obliged in accordance with the law to protect natural sites of special interest, rarities and cultural monuments.

The state and local communities shall promote the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage.

Right to competitive marketplace, Right to establish a business

Article 74. Free Enterprise

Free economic initiative shall be guaranteed.

The conditions for establishing commercial organisations shall be established by law. Commercial activities may not be pursued in a manner contrary to the public interest.

Unfair competition practices and practices which restrict competition in a manner contrary to the law are prohibited.

Article 75. Participation in Management

Employees shall participate in the management of commercial organisations and institutions in a manner and under conditions provided by law.

Right to join trade unions

Article 76. Freedom of Trade Unions

The freedom to establish, operate and join trade unions shall be guaranteed.

Right to strike

Article 77. Right to Strike

Employees have the right to strike.

Where required by the public interest, the right to strike may be restricted by law, with due consideration given to the type and nature of activity involved.

Right to shelter

Article 78. Proper Housing

The state shall create opportunities for citizens to obtain proper housing.

Article 79. Aliens Employed in Slovenia

Aliens employed in Slovenia and members of their families have special rights provided by law.

IV. Organisation of the State

a. The National Assembly

Structure of legislative chamber(s)

Article 80. Composition and Election

Size of first chamber

The National Assembly is composed of deputies of the citizens of Slovenia and comprises ninety deputies.

First chamber selection, Secret ballot

Deputies are elected by universal, equal, direct and secret voting.

First chamber representation quotas

One deputy of the Italian and one deputy of the Hungarian national communities shall always be elected to the National Assembly.

Supermajority required for legislation

The electoral system shall be regulated by a law passed by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies.

First chamber selection

Deputies, except for the deputies of the national communities, are elected according to the principle of proportional representation with a four-percent threshold required for election to the National Assembly, with due consideration that voters have a decisive influence on the allocation of seats to the candidates.

Article 81. Term of the National Assembly

Head of government term length, Term length for first chamber

The National Assembly is elected for four years.

Emergency provisions

If the term of the National Assembly expires during a war or state of emergency, its term shall expire six months after the end of the war or state of emergency, or earlier if the National Assembly itself so decides.

Scheduling of elections

Elections to the National Assembly are called by the President of the Republic. A new National Assembly shall be elected no sooner than two months and no later than fifteen days before the expiry of four years from the date of the first session of the previous National Assembly. If the National Assembly is dissolved, a new National Assembly shall be elected no later than two months after the dissolution of the previous one. The term of the previous National Assembly shall end on the first session of the new National Assembly, which shall be called by the President of the Republic no later than twenty days after the election of the new National Assembly.

Article 82. Deputies

Deputies of the National Assembly are representatives of all the people and shall not be bound by any instructions.

Outside professions of legislators, Eligibility for first chamber

The law shall establish who may not be elected a deputy, and the incompatibility of the office of deputy with other offices and activities.

The National Assembly confirms the election of deputies. An appeal may be made before the Constitutional Court, in accordance with the law, against a decision of the National Assembly.

Immunity of legislators

Article 83. Immunity of Deputies

No deputy of the National Assembly shall be criminally liable for any opinion expressed or vote cast at sessions of the National Assembly or its working bodies.

No deputy may be detained nor, where such deputy claims immunity, may criminal proceedings be initiated against him without the permission of the National Assembly, except where such deputy has been apprehended committing a criminal offence for which a prison sentence of over five years is prescribed.

The National Assembly may also grant immunity to a deputy who has not claimed such immunity or who has been apprehended committing such criminal offence as referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Leader of first chamber

Article 84. President of the National Assembly

The National Assembly has a president who is elected by a majority vote of all deputies.

Extraordinary legislative sessions

Article 85. Sessions of the National Assembly

The National Assembly meets in regular and extraordinary sessions.

Regular and extraordinary sessions are called by the President of the National Assembly; an extraordinary session must be called if so required by at least a quarter of the deputies of the National Assembly or by the President of the Republic.

Division of labor between chambers, Treaty ratification, Quorum for legislative sessions

Article 86. Decision-making

The National Assembly may pass decisions if a majority of deputies are present at the session. The National Assembly adopts laws and other decisions and ratifies treaties by a majority of votes cast by those deputies present, save where a different type of majority is provided by the Constitution or by law.

First chamber reserved policy areas

Article 87. Legislative Power of the National Assembly

The rights and duties of citizens and other persons may be determined by the National Assembly only by law.

Legislative initiatives by citizens, Initiation of general legislation

Article 88. Legislative Initiative

Laws may be proposed by the Government or by any deputy. Laws may also be proposed by at least five thousand voters.

Article 89. Legislative Procedure

The National Assembly shall pass laws in a multiphase procedure unless otherwise provided by its rules of procedure.

Referenda

Article 90. Legislative Referendum

The National Assembly shall call a referendum on the entry into force of a law that it has adopted if so required by at least forty thousand voters.

A referendum may not be called:

  • on laws on urgent measures to ensure the defence of the state, security, or the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters;

    on laws on taxes, customs duties, and other compulsory charges, and on the law adopted for the implementation of the state budget;

    on laws on the ratification of treaties;

    on laws eliminating an unconstitutionality in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms or any other unconstitutionality.

The right to vote in a referendum is held by all citizens who are eligible to vote in elections.

A law is rejected in a referendum if a majority of voters who have cast valid votes vote against the law, provided at least one fifth of all qualified voters have voted against the law.

Supermajority required for legislation

Referendums are regulated by a law passed in the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of deputies present.

Approval or veto of general legislation, Veto override procedure

Article 91. Promulgation of Laws

Laws are promulgated by the President of the Republic no later than eight days after they have been passed.

The National Council may within seven days of the passing of a law and prior to its promulgation require the National Assembly to decide again on such law. In deciding again, a majority of all deputies must vote for such law to be passed unless the Constitution envisages a higher majority for the passing of the law under consideration. Such new decision by the National Assembly is final.

Emergency provisions, Power to declare/approve war

Article 92. War and State of Emergency

A state of emergency shall be declared whenever a great and general danger threatens the existence of the state. The declaration of war or state of emergency, urgent measures and their repeal shall be decided upon by the National Assembly on the proposal of the Government.

The National Assembly decides on the use of the defence forces.

In the event that the National Assembly is unable to convene, the President of the Republic shall decide on matters from the first and second paragraphs of this article. Such decisions must be submitted for confirmation to the National Assembly immediately upon it next convening.

Legislative oversight of the executive

Article 93. Parliamentary Inquiry

The National Assembly may order inquiries on matters of public importance, and it must do so when required by a third of the deputies of the National Assembly or when required by the National Council. For this purpose it shall appoint a commission which in matters of investigation and examination has powers comparable to those of judicial authorities.

Article 94. Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly

The National Assembly has rules of procedure which it shall adopt by a two-thirds majority vote of deputies present.

Compensation of legislators

Article 95. Remuneration of Deputies

Deputies of the National Assembly receive such salary or remuneration as are established by law.

b. The National Council

Second chamber representation quotas, Eligibility for second chamber, Structure of legislative chamber(s), Size of second chamber

Article 96. Composition

The National Council is the representative body for social, economic, professional and local interests. The National Council has forty members. It is composed of:

  • four representatives of employers;

    four representatives of employees;

    four representatives of farmers, crafts and trades, and independent professions;

    six representatives of non-commercial fields;

    twenty-two representatives of local interests.

The organisation of the National Council is regulated by law.

Division of labor between chambers

Article 97. Powers of the National Council

The National Council may:

  • propose to the National Assembly the passing of laws;

    convey to the National Assembly its opinion on all matters within the competence of the National Assembly;

    require the National Assembly to decide again on a given law prior to its promulgation;

    require inquiries on matters of public importance as referred to in Article 93.

Where required by the National Assembly, the National Council must express its opinion on an individual matter.

Second chamber selection

Article 98. Election

Supermajority required for legislation

Election to the National Council shall be regulated by a law passed by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies.

Term length of second chamber

Members of the National Council are elected for a term of five years.

Article 99. Decision-Making

Quorum for legislative sessions

The National Council may pass decisions if a majority of members are present at the session.

The National Council decides by a majority of votes cast by those members present.

Article 100. Immunity and Incompatibility of Office

A member of the National Council may not at the same time be a deputy of the National Assembly.

Immunity of legislators

Members of the National Council enjoy the same immunity as deputies. Immunity is decided upon by the National Council.

Article 101. Rules of Procedure of the National Council

The National Council has rules of procedure which it shall adopt by a majority vote of all members.

c. President of the Republic

Name/structure of executive(s), Designation of commander in chief

Article 102. Office of President of the Republic

The President of the Republic represents the Republic of Slovenia and is commander-in-chief of its defence forces.

Head of state selection

Article 103. Election of the President of the Republic

Secret ballot

The President of the Republic is elected in direct, general elections by secret ballot.

The candidate who receives a majority of the valid votes cast is elected President of the Republic.

Head of state term length, Emergency provisions, Head of state term limits

The President of the Republic is elected for a term of five years and may be elected for a maximum of two consecutive terms. If the term of office of the President of the Republic expires during a war or state of emergency, the President's term shall expire six months after the cessation of such war or state of emergency.

Eligibility for head of state

Only a citizen of Slovenia may be elected President of the Republic. Elections to the office of President of the Republic are called by the President of the National Assembly. The President of the Republic must be elected no later than fifteen days before the expiry of the term of the incumbent President.

Oaths to abide by constitution

Article 104. Oath of Office of the President of the Republic

Before taking office, the President of the Republic shall swear the following oath before the National Assembly:

"I swear that I shall uphold the constitutional order, that I shall act according to my conscience and that I shall do all in my power for the good of Slovenia."

Article 105. Incompatibility of the Office of President of the Republic

The office of President of the Republic is incompatible with any other public office or occupation.

Head of state replacement

Article 106. Deputisation of the President of the Republic

In the event of permanent absence, death, resignation or other cessation of performing the office of President, the President of the National Assembly shall temporarily perform the duties of the office of President of the Republic until the election of a new President of the Republic. In such event, elections for a new President of the Republic must be called no later than fifteen days after the cessation of office of the previous President of the Republic.

The President of the National Assembly also temporarily performs the duties of the office of President of the Republic during any absence of the President of the Republic.

Head of state powers

Article 107. Powers of the President of the Republic

The President of the Republic:

  • calls elections to the National Assembly;

    promulgates laws;

    appoints state officials where provided by law;

    Foreign affairs representative

    appoints and recalls ambassadors and envoys of the Republic, and accepts the letters of credence of foreign diplomatic representatives;

    issues instruments of ratification;

    Power to pardon

    decides on the granting of clemency;

    confers decorations and honorary titles;

    performs other duties determined by this Constitution.

Where required by the National Assembly the President of the Republic must express his opinion on an individual issue.

Emergency provisions, Head of state decree power

Article 108. Decrees with the Force of Law

In the event that the National Assembly is unable to convene due to a state of emergency or war, the President of the Republic may, on the proposal of the Government, issue decrees with the force of law.

Such decrees may, in exception, restrict individual rights and fundamental freedoms as provided by Article 16 of this Constitution.

The President of the Republic must submit decrees with the force of law to the National Assembly for confirmation immediately upon it next convening.

Head of state removal, Cabinet removal, Constitutional court powers, Head of government removal

Article 109. Accountability of the President of the Republic

If in the performance of his office the President of the Republic violates the Constitution or seriously violates the law, he may be impeached by the National Assembly before the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court shall decide either that the impeachment charges are justified or it shall dismiss the charges, and it may further decide on relieving the President of office by a two-thirds majority vote of all judges. Upon receiving a resolution on impeachment from the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court may decide that pending a decision on impeachment the President of the Republic may not perform his office.

cc. The Government

Establishment of cabinet/ministers, Claim of executive independence

Article 110. Composition of the Government

The Government is composed of the president and ministers. Within the scope of their powers, the Government and individual ministers are independent and accountable to the National Assembly.

Head of government selection, Name/structure of executive(s)

Article 111. Election of the President of the Government

After consultation with the leaders of parliamentary groups the President of the Republic proposes to the National Assembly a candidate for President of the Government.

The President of the Government is elected by the National Assembly by a majority vote of all deputies unless otherwise provided by this Constitution. Voting is by secret ballot.

If such candidate does not receive the necessary majority of votes, the President of the Republic may after renewed consultation propose within fourteen days a new candidate, or the same candidate again, and candidates may also be proposed by parliamentary groups or a minimum of ten deputies. If within this period several candidates have been proposed, each one is voted on separately beginning with the candidate proposed by the President of the Republic, and if this candidate is not elected, a vote is taken on the other candidates in the order in which they were proposed.

Dismissal of the legislature

If no candidate is elected, the President of the Republic dissolves the National Assembly and calls new elections, unless within forty-eight hours the National Assembly decides by a majority of votes cast by those deputies present to hold new elections for President of the Government, whereby a majority of votes cast by those deputies present is sufficient for the election of the candidate. In such new elections a vote is taken on candidates individually in order of the number of votes received in the earlier voting and then on the new candidates proposed prior to the new vote, wherein any candidate proposed by the President of the Republic takes precedence.

Dismissal of the legislature

If in such elections no candidate receives the necessary number of votes, the President of the Republic dissolves the National Assembly and calls new elections.

Cabinet removal, Cabinet selection

Article 112. Appointment of Ministers

Ministers are appointed and dismissed by the National Assembly on the proposal of the President of the Government.

Legislative committees

Prior to appointment a proposed minister must appear before a competent commission of the National Assembly and answer its questions.

Oaths to abide by constitution

Article 113. Oath of Office of the Government

Upon election and appointment respectively, the President of the Government and ministers shall swear before the National Assembly the oath of office provided by Article 104.

Powers of cabinet

Article 114. Organisation of the Government

Cabinet removal

The President of the Government is responsible for ensuring the unity of the political and administrative direction of the Government and coordinates the work of ministers. Ministers are collectively accountable for the work of the Government, and each minister is accountable for the work of his ministry.

The composition and functioning of the Government, and the number, competencies and organisation of ministries shall be regulated by law.

Head of government term length, Cabinet removal

Article 115. Termination of Office of the President of the Government and Ministers

The President of the Government and ministers cease to hold office when a new National Assembly convenes following elections; ministers also cease to hold office whenever the President of the Government ceases to hold office and whenever such ministers are dismissed or resign; ministers must, however, continue to perform their regular duties until the election of a new President of the Government or until the appointment of new ministers.

Head of government replacement, Cabinet removal, Head of government removal

Article 116. Vote of No Confidence

The National Assembly may pass a vote of no confidence in the Government only by electing a new President of the Government on the proposal of at least ten deputies and by a majority vote of all deputies. The incumbent President of the Government is thereby dismissed, but together with his ministers he must continue to perform his regular duties until the swearing in of a new Government.

No less than forty-eight hours must elapse between the lodging of a proposal to elect a new President of the Government and the vote itself, unless the National Assembly decides otherwise by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies, or if the country is at war or in a state of emergency.

Where a President of the Government has been elected on the basis of the fourth paragraph of Article 111 a vote on no confidence is expressed in him if on the proposal of at least ten deputies, the National Assembly elects a new President of the Government by a majority of votes cast.

Dismissal of the legislature, Cabinet removal, Head of government removal

Article 117. Vote of Confidence

The President of the Government may require a vote of confidence in the Government. If the Government does not receive the support of a majority vote of all deputies, the National Assembly must elect within thirty days a new President of the Government or in a new vote express its confidence in the incumbent President of the Government, or failing this, the President of the Republic dissolves the National Assembly and calls new elections. The President of the Government may tie the issue of confidence to the adoption of a law or to some other decision in the National Assembly. If such decision is not adopted, it is deemed that a vote of no confidence in the Government has been passed.

No less than forty-eight hours must elapse between the requirement of a vote of confidence and the vote itself.

Legislative oversight of the executive, Cabinet removal

Article 118. Interpellation

An interpellation with respect to the work of the Government or an individual minister may be initiated in the National Assembly by at least ten deputies.

If, after the debate following such interpellation, a majority of all deputies carries a vote of no confidence in the Government or in an individual minister, the National Assembly dismisses the Government or said minister.

Cabinet removal, Head of government removal

Article 119. Impeachment of the President of the Government and Ministers

The National Assembly may impeach the President of the Government or ministers before the Constitutional Court on charges of violating the Constitution and laws during the performance of their office. The Constitutional Court considers the charges in such a manner as determined in Article 109.

d. State Administration

Article 120. Organisation and Work of the State Administration

The organisation of the state administration, its competence and the manner of appointment of its officers are regulated by law.

Duty to obey the constitution

Administrative bodies perform their work independently within the framework and on the basis of the Constitution and laws.

Ultra-vires administrative actions

Judicial protection of the rights and legal interests of citizens and organisations is guaranteed against decisions and actions of administrative bodies and bearers of public authority.

Article 121. Public Authorities

Legal entities and natural persons may be vested by law or on the basis thereof with the public authority to perform certain duties of the state administration.

Civil service recruitment

Article 122. Employment in the State Administration

Employment in the state administration is possible only on the basis of open competition, except in cases provided by law.

e. National Defence

Duty to serve in the military

Article 123. Duty to Participate in the National Defence

Participation in the national defence is compulsory for citizens within the limits and in the manner provided by law.

Right to conscientious objection

Citizens who for their religious, philosophical or humanitarian convictions are not willing to perform military duties, must be given the opportunity to participate in the national defence in some other manner.

Article 124. National Defence

Supermajority required for legislation

The form, extent and organisation of the defence of the inviolability and integrity of the national territory shall be regulated by a law adopted by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of deputies present.

The conducting of defence is supervised by the National Assembly.

In the provision of security the state proceeds principally from a policy of peace, and an ethic of peace and non-aggression.

f. The Judiciary

Duty to obey the constitution, Judicial independence

Article 125. Independence of Judges

Judges shall be independent in the performance of the judicial function. They shall be bound by the Constitution and laws.

Structure of the courts

Article 126. Organisation and Jurisdiction of Courts

The organisation and jurisdiction of courts are determined by law.

Extraordinary courts may not be established, nor may military courts be established in peacetime.

Structure of the courts, Supreme court powers

Article 127. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state.

It decides on ordinary and extraordinary legal remedies and performs other functions provided by law.

Jury trials required

Article 128. Participation of Citizens in the Exercising of Judicial Power

The circumstances and form of the direct participation of citizens in the exercising of judicial power are regulated by law.

Supreme court term length

Article 129. Permanence of Judicial Office

Minimum age of supreme court judges

The office of a judge is permanent. The age requirement and other conditions for election are determined by law.

Mandatory retirement age for judges

The retirement age of judges is determined by law.

Establishment of judicial council, Ordinary court selection, Supreme court selection

Article 130. Election of Judges

Judges are elected by the National Assembly on the proposal of the Judicial Council.

Establishment of judicial council

Article 131. Judicial Council

The Judicial Council is composed of eleven members. The National Assembly elects five members on the proposal of the President of the Republic from among university professors of law, attorneys and other lawyers, whereas judges holding permanent judicial office elect six members from among their own number. The members of the council select a president from among their own number.

Supreme/ordinary court judge removal

Article 132. Termination of and Dismissal from Judicial Office

A judge ceases to hold judicial office where circumstances arise as provided by law.

Establishment of judicial council

If in the performance of the judicial office a judge violates the Constitution or seriously violates the law, the National Assembly may dismiss such judge on the proposal of the Judicial Council.

If a judge is found by a final judgement to have deliberately committed a criminal offence through the abuse of the judicial office, the National Assembly dismisses such judge.

Article 133. Incompatibility of Judicial Office

Judicial office is not compatible with office in other state bodies, in local self-government bodies and in bodies of political parties, and with other offices and activities as provided by law.

Article 134. Immunity of Judges

No one who participates in making judicial decisions may be held accountable for an opinion expressed during decision-making in court.

If a judge is suspected of a criminal offence in the performance of judicial office, he may not be detained nor may criminal proceedings be initiated against him without the consent of the National Assembly.

g. State Prosecutors Office

Attorney general

Article 135. State Prosecutor

State Prosecutors file and present criminal charges and have other powers provided by law.

The organisation and powers of state prosecutor offices are provided by law.

Article 136. Incompatibility of the Office of State Prosecutor

The office of State Prosecutor is not compatible with office in other state bodies, in local self-government bodies and in bodies of political parties, and with other offices and activities as provided by law.

h. Attorneyship and Notariat

Article 137. Attorneyship and Notariat

Attorneyship is an independent service within the system of justice, and is regulated by law.

The notariat is a public service regulated by law.

V. Self-Government

a. Local Self-Government

Municipal government

Article 138. Exercise of Local Self-Government

Residents of Slovenia exercise local self-government in municipalities and other local communities.

Municipal government

Article 139. Municipalities

Municipalities are self-governing local communities.

The territory of a municipality comprises a settlement or several settlements bound together by the common needs and interests of the residents.

Referenda

A municipality is established by law following a referendum by which the will of the residents in a given territory is determined. The territory of the municipality is also defined by law.

Municipal government

Article 140. Scope of Local Self-Government

The competencies of a municipality comprise local affairs which may be regulated by the municipality autonomously and which affect only the residents of the municipality.

The state may by law transfer to municipalities the performance of specific duties within the state competence if it also provides financial resources to enable such.

State authorities shall supervise the proper and competent performance of work relating to matters vested in the local community bodies by the state.

Municipal government

Article 141. Urban Municipalities

A town may attain the status of an urban municipality in accordance with such procedure and under such conditions as provided by law.

An urban municipality performs, as being within its original competence, particular duties within the state competence relating to urban development as provided by law.

Municipal government

Article 142. Municipal Revenue

A municipality is financed from its own sources. Municipalities that are unable to completely provide for the performance of their duties due to insufficient economic development are assured additional funding by the state in accordance with principles and criteria provided by law.

Subsidiary unit government

Article 143. Region

A region is a self-governing local community that manages local affairs of wider importance, and certain affairs of regional importance provided by law.

Supermajority required for legislation

Regions are established by a law which also determines their territory, seat, and name. Such law is adopted by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of deputies present. The participation of the municipalities must be guaranteed in the procedure for adopting the law.

The state transfers by law the performance of specific duties within the state competence to the regions and must provide to them the necessary financial resources to enable such.

Federal review of subnational legislation

Article 144. Supervision by State Authorities

State authorities supervise the legality of the work of local community authorities.

b. Other Forms of Self-Government

Article 145. Self-Government in the Field of Social Activities

Citizens may form self-governing associations to promote their interests.

Citizens may be given the authority by law to manage through self-government particular matters within the state competence.

VI. Public Finance

Municipal government, Subsidiary unit government

Article 146. Financing of the State and Local Communities

The state and local communities raise funds for the performance of their duties by means of taxes and other compulsory charges as well as from revenues from their own assets.

The state and local communities disclose the value of their assets by means of balance sheets.

Article 147. Taxes

The state imposes taxes, customs duties and other charges by law. Local communities impose taxes and other charges under conditions provided by the Constitution and law.

Budget bills

Article 148. Budgets

All revenues and expenditures for the financing of public spending must be included in the budgets of the state.

Balanced budget

Revenues and expenditures of the budgets of the state must be balanced in the medium-term without borrowing, or revenues must exceed expenditures. Temporary deviation from this principle is only allowed when exceptional circumstances affect the state.

Supermajority required for legislation

The manner and the time frame of the implementation of the principle referred to in the preceding paragraph, the criteria for determining exceptional circumstances, and the course of action when they arise, shall be determined by a law adopted by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies.

If a budget has not been adopted by the first day it is due to be implemented, the beneficiaries financed by the budget are temporarily financed in accordance with the previous budget.

Article 149. State Borrowings

State borrowings and guarantees by the state for loans are only permitted on the basis of law.

Article 150. Court of Audit

The Court of Audit is the highest body for supervising state accounts, the state budget and all public spending.

The organisation and powers of the Court of Audit are provided by law.

The Court of Audit is independent in the performance of its duties and bound by the Constitution and laws.

Article 151. Appointment of Members to the Court of Audit

Members of the Court of Audit are appointed by the National Assembly.

Central bank

Article 152. Central Bank

Slovenia has a central bank. In its functioning the bank is independent and directly accountable to the National Assembly. The central bank is established by law.

The governor of the central bank is appointed by the National Assembly.

VII. Constitutionality and Legality

Article 153. Conformity of Legal Acts

Laws, regulations and other general legal acts must be in conformity with the Constitution.

Legal status of treaties, International law, Customary international law

Laws must be in conformity with generally accepted principles of international law and with valid treaties ratified by the National Assembly, whereas regulations and other general legal acts must also be in conformity with other ratified treaties.

Regulations and other general legal acts must be in conformity with the Constitution and laws.

Individual acts and actions of state authorities, local community authorities and bearers of public authority must be based on a law or regulation adopted pursuant to law.

Article 154. Validity and Publication of Regulations

Regulations must be published prior to coming into force. A regulation comes into force on the fifteenth day after its publication unless otherwise determined in the regulation itself.

State regulations are published in the official gazette of the state, whereas local community regulations are published in the official publication determined by the local community.

Protection from ex post facto laws

Article 155. Prohibition of Retroactive Effect of Legal Acts

Laws and other regulations and general legal acts cannot have retroactive effect.

Only a law may establish that certain of its provisions have retroactive effect, if this is required in the public interest and provided that no acquired rights are infringed thereby.

Constitutionality of legislation

Article 156. Constitutional Review

If a court deciding some matter deems a law which it should apply to be unconstitutional, it must stay the proceedings and initiate proceedings before the Constitutional Court. The proceedings in the court may be continued after the Constitutional Court has issued its decision.

Establishment of administrative courts

Article 157. Judicial Review of Administrative Acts

A court having jurisdiction to review administrative acts decides the legality of final individual acts with which state authorities, local community authorities and bearers of public authority decide the rights or obligations and legal entitlements of individuals and organisations, if other legal protection is not provided by law for a particular matter.

If other legal protection is not provided, the court having jurisdiction to review administrative acts also decides on the legality of individual actions and acts which intrude upon the constitutional rights of the individual.

Article 158. Finality of Legal Decisions

Legal relations regulated by the final decision of a state authority may be annulled, abrogated or amended only in such cases and by such procedures as are provided by law.

Ombudsman

Article 159. Ombudsman for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

In order to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in relation to state authorities, local self-government authorities and bearers of public authority, the office of the ombudsman for the rights of citizens shall be established by law.

Special ombudsmen for the rights of citizens may also be established by law for particular fields.

VIII. The Constitutional Court

Constitutional interpretation, Establishment of constitutional court, Constitutionality of legislation, Constitutional court powers

Article 160. Powers of the Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court decides:

  • on the conformity of laws with the Constitution;
    Customary international law, International law

    on the conformity of laws and other regulations with ratified treaties and with the general principles of international law;

    on the conformity of regulations with the Constitution and with laws;

    National vs subnational laws, Federal review of subnational legislation

    on the conformity of local community regulations with the Constitution and with laws;

    on the conformity of general acts issued for the exercise of public authority with the Constitution, laws and regulations;

    on constitutional complaints stemming from the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms by individual acts;

    on jurisdictional disputes between the state and local communities and among local communities themselves;

    on jurisdictional disputes between courts and other state authorities;

    on jurisdictional disputes between the National Assembly, the President of the Republic and the Government;

    Regulation of political parties

    on the unconstitutionality of the acts and activities of political parties; and

    on other matters vested in the Constitutional Court by this Constitution or laws.

Legal status of treaties

In the process of ratifying a treaty, the Constitutional Court, on the proposal of the President of the Republic, the Government or a third of the deputies of the National Assembly, issues an opinion on the conformity of such treaty with the Constitution. The National Assembly is bound by the opinion of the Constitutional Court.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Constitutional Court decides on a constitutional complaint only if legal remedies have been exhausted. The Constitutional Court decides whether to accept a constitutional complaint for adjudication on the basis of criteria and procedures provided by law.

Constitutionality of legislation

Article 161. Abrogation of a Law

If the Constitutional Court establishes that a law is unconstitutional, it abrogates such law in whole or in part. Such abrogation takes effect immediately or within a period of time determined by the Constitutional Court. This period of time may not exceed one year. The Constitutional Court annuls or abrogates other regulations or general acts that are unconstitutional or contrary to law. Under conditions provided by law, the Constitutional Court may, up until a final decision, suspend in whole or in part the implementation of an act whose constitutionality or legality is being reviewed.

If in deciding on a constitutional complaint the Constitutional Court establishes the unconstitutionality of a regulation or general act, it may in accordance with the provisions of the first paragraph of this article annul or abrogate such regulation or act.

The legal consequences of Constitutional Court decisions shall be regulated by law.

Constitutionality of legislation

Article 162. Proceedings before the Constitutional Court

Proceedings before the Constitutional Court shall be regulated by law.

The law determines who may require the initiation of proceedings before the Constitutional Court. Anyone who demonstrates legal interest may request the initiation of proceedings before the Constitutional Court.

The Constitutional Court decides by a majority vote of all its judges unless otherwise provided for individual cases by the Constitution or law. The Constitutional Court may decide whether to initiate proceedings following a constitutional complaint with fewer judges as provided by law.

Constitutional court selection

Article 163. Composition and Election

Eligibility for const court judges

The Constitutional Court is composed of nine judges, elected on the proposal of the President of the Republic by the National Assembly in a manner provided by law.

The judges are elected from among legal experts.

The President of the Constitutional Court is elected by the judges from among their own number for a term of three years.

Constitutional court removal

Article 164. Early Termination of Office of a Constitutional Court Judge

A Constitutional Court judge may be subject to early termination of office in a manner provided by law only:

  • if the judge himself so requests,

    if the judge is punished by imprisonment for a criminal offence, or

    due to permanent loss of capacity to perform his office.

Article 165. Term of Office of Judges

Constitutional court term length, Constitutional court term limits

Constitutional Court judges are elected for a term of nine years. Constitutional Court judges may not be re-elected.

Upon the expiry of the term for which a Constitutional Court judge has been elected, he continues to perform his office until the election of a new judge.

Article 166. Incompatibility of Office

The office of Constitutional Court judge is not compatible with office in state bodies, in local self-government bodies and in bodies of political parties, and with other offices and activities that are not compatible by law with the office of Constitutional Court judge.

Article 167. Immunity

Constitutional Court judges enjoy the same immunity as National Assembly deputies. The National Assembly decides on such immunity.

Constitution amendment procedure

IX. Procedure for Amending the Constitution

Article 168. Proposal to Initiate the Procedure

A proposal to initiate the procedure for amending the Constitution may be made by twenty deputies of the National Assembly, the Government or at least thirty thousand voters.

Such proposal is decided upon by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of deputies present.

Article 169. Acts Amending the Constitution

The National Assembly adopts acts amending the Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies.

Referenda

Article 170. Confirmation of Constitutional Amendments by Referendum

The National Assembly must submit a proposed constitutional amendment to voters for adoption in a referendum, if so required by at least thirty deputies.

A constitutional amendment is adopted in a referendum if a majority of those voting voted in favour of the same, provided that a majority of all voters participated in the referendum.

Article 171. Promulgation of Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional amendments enter into force upon their promulgation in the National Assembly.

Transitional provisions

X. Transitional and Final Provisions

Article 172

This Constitution enters into force upon its promulgation.

Article 173

The provisions of this Constitution apply from the day of its promulgation, unless otherwise provided in the constitutional act implementing this Constitution.

Article 174

A constitutional act shall be passed in order to implement this Constitution and to ensure transition to the application of the provisions of this Constitution.

The constitutional act shall be passed by a two-thirds majority vote of all deputies in all chambers of the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.