Tracing constitutional changes in Slovakia between 2008–2016

Abstract

The paper analyses the constitutional revision process in Slovakia taking into account recent constitutional changes that have occurred since the financial crisis of 2008. The first part describes the forms of constitutional amendment procedure in theory and practice. The second part is devoted to the substantive and detailed examination of direct amendments taking place from 2008 onwards equipped with political situation that influenced each revision. Interestingly, during the period of study, all amendments but one were adopted as a response to the crises but all of them were connected to the political questions of a given moment. The amendments are completely in the hands of politicians and have become a tool to “show off” with little attention on possible constitutional damage. The regime of constitutional change in Slovakia is an ample illustration of political constitutionalism in practice.