[Source: Government Office of the Slovak Republic’s website]
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
The Preamble
We, the
Slovak People
Bearing in mind the political and cultural heritage of our predecessors, the
experience gained through centuries of struggle for our national existence,
and statehood,
Mindful of the spiritual bequest of Cyril and Methodius, and the historical
legacy of Great Moravia,
Recognizing the natural right of nations to self-determination,
Together with members of national minorities and ethnic groups living in the
Slovak Republic,
In the interest of continuous peaceful cooperation with other democratic countries,
Endeavouring to implement democratic forms of government, guarantee a life
of freedom, and promote spiritual, cultural and economic prosperity,
we, the citizens of the Slovak Republic, have, herewith and by our representatives,
adopted this Constitution:
Part 1
Chapter One - General Provisions
[…]
Article 6
(1) The Slovak language is the official language of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The use of languages other than the official language in official communications
shall be determined by law.
[…]
Part 2 - Fundamental Rights And Freedoms
Chapter One - General provisions
[…]
Article 12
(1) All human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights. Their fundamental
rights and freedoms are inalienable, irrevocable, and absolutely perpetual.
(2) Fundamental rights shall be guaranteed in the Slovak Republic to every
person regardless of sex, race, colour, language, faith, religion, political
affiliation or conviction, national or social origin, nationality or ethnic
origin, property, birth or any other status, and no person shall be denied
their legal rights, discriminated against or favoured on any of these grounds.
(3) Every person has the right to freely decide which national group he or
she is a member of. All manner of influence or coercion that may affect or
lead to a denial of a person's original nationality shall be prohibited.
(4) No person shall be prevented from exercising his or her fundamental rights
and freedoms.
[…]
Chapter Four - The Rights of National Minorities and Ethnic Groups
Article 33
Membership in any national minority or ethnic group may not be used to the
detriment of any individual.
Article 34
(1) Citizens of national minorities or ethnic groups in the Slovak Republic
shall be guaranteed their full development, particularly the rights to promote
their cultural heritage with other citizens of the same national minority
or ethic group, receive and disseminate information in their mother tongues,
form associations, and create and maintain educational and cultural institutions.
Details thereof shall be fixed by law.
(2) In addition to the right to learn the official language, the citizens
of national minorities or ethnic groups shall, under provisions fixed by law,
also be guaranteed:
a) the right to be educated in a minority language,
b) the right to use a minority language in official communications,
c) the right to participate in decision-making in matters affecting the national
minorities and ethnic groups.
(3) The exercise of rights by citizens of a national minority guaranteed by
this Constitution may not threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of the Slovak Republic or discriminate against other citizens.
[…]
Chapter Seven - Right to Judicial and Other Legal Protection
[…]
Article 47
[…]
(4) A person who claims not to know the language used in the proceedings under section (2) of this Article shall have the right to an interpreter.
[…]
Chapter Eight - Part One and Part Two Joint Provisions
[…]
Article 52
(1) Whenever the term "citizen" is used in Part One and Part Two
of this Constitution, it means a citizen of the Slovak Republic.
(2) Unless expressly designated only for the citizens of the Slovak Republic,
aliens shall enjoy the same fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by
this Constitution.
(3) Whenever the term "citizen" is used in any previous rules, it
means any person provided the rights and freedoms are guaranteed by this Constitution,
irrespective of the, citizenship.
[…]
Part 6 - Executive Power
Chapter One - The President of the Slovak Republic
[…]
Article 104
(1) The President shall be sworn before the National Council by the President
of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic as follows:
"I do solemnly pledge allegiance to the Slovak Republic. I will protect
the welfare of the Slovak people, and members of national minorities and ethnic
groups living in the Slovak Republic. I will perform my duties in the best
interests of all citizens, and abide by and defend the Constitution and other
laws."
(2) A refusal to take the vow or expression of reservations thereto shall
annul the presidential election.
[…]
Part 9 - Transitory and Final Provisions
Article 152
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(2) Laws and other generally binding
regulations passed in the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic shall become inoperative
on the ninetieth day after the publication of a decision made by the Constitutional
Court of the Slovak Republic on their invalidity and according to promulgation
of procedures fixed by law.
[…]
Article 153
The Slovak Republic shall be the successor to all the rights and duties ensuing
from international treaties and agreements binding on the Czech and Slovak
Federal Republic to the extent fixed by a constitutional statute issued in
the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic or to the extent specified in an agreement
made between the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic.
[…]