Slovenia’s new parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović said he plans to hold a referendum on leaving NATO, while also signaling openness to visiting Moscow and pursuing a more independent foreign policy.
Is that within the power of a Speaker? My understanding was they were meant to be a ‘neutral’ party in parliament that controls the day-to-day proceedings but not dictate government policy.
No he is not in any position to say or make that happen.
He is the leader of the crazy party (pro russian, antivax, anti eu, anti nato) that only has a few seats in parliament. He is also a liar and has connections to organized crime.
However the polarization in Slovenia caused there is low chance of government being formed without their votes. That is why he was made the (temporary) president of the parliament (mostly ceremonial role without real powers). But because this officially makes him the second most important man in Slovenia his opinions or visits (he said he will visit Russia first), he will make such headlines with his statements and destroy Slovenian reputation.
But because of really strong pro EU and pro NATO views of other parties in potential government this is something he will not be able to force in exchange for his votes.
Is that within the power of a Speaker? My understanding was they were meant to be a ‘neutral’ party in parliament that controls the day-to-day proceedings but not dictate government policy.
No he is not in any position to say or make that happen.
He is the leader of the crazy party (pro russian, antivax, anti eu, anti nato) that only has a few seats in parliament. He is also a liar and has connections to organized crime.
However the polarization in Slovenia caused there is low chance of government being formed without their votes. That is why he was made the (temporary) president of the parliament (mostly ceremonial role without real powers). But because this officially makes him the second most important man in Slovenia his opinions or visits (he said he will visit Russia first), he will make such headlines with his statements and destroy Slovenian reputation.
But because of really strong pro EU and pro NATO views of other parties in potential government this is something he will not be able to force in exchange for his votes.