"Perhaps in the next negotiations there will arise the need to change the basic law," Mazuz told the Knesset committee discussing the proposed legislation. The bill was brought up to satisfy Labor Party leader Peres' demand he be appointed deputy prime minister in return for Labor joining the Likud in a new coalition. Former Justice Minister Yosef (Tomy) Lapid, Shinui party leader, also opposes the plan although he is not on the committeee discussing the bill.
Ehud Olmert is the current deputy, and Peres' demand required a change in the basic government law after Olmert said his resigning would put Peres in line to replace Sharon if the prime minister were to become incapable to function.
Monday's testimony could prove troublesome for the proposed coalition. The bill must clear the committee before going to the Knesset for the second of three readings, and its passage requires a Knesset majority of 61.
"Changing the basic laws for political conveniences is suicidal" to democracy, one academic testified before the Knesset committee. Mazuz added, "Even if it is a small or minor change," such alterations require serious study.
Labor MK Haim Rimon, who proposed the bill, complained, "What are all these academic experts doing here? This is a political subject. If there will not be an additional deputy prime minister, there will not be a coalition. You don't understand politics. This is an exact occupation just like any other."
Likud MK Michael Eitan, head of the committee, chided Rimon for submitting the bill without checking with legal experts.
Dr. Suzie Navot told the committee, "This discussion shows this is not a technical or minor change. The Knesset should worry about its image in the public's eye. The message is problematic (and) in these days that entire groups call to violate the law for evacuation, it will be difficult for the Knesset to complain when itself does not play according to the rules."
Former Justice Minister Tomy Lapid and Attorney General Mani Mazuz
Ehud Olmert is the current deputy, and Peres' demand required a change in the basic government law after Olmert said his resigning would put Peres in line to replace Sharon if the prime minister were to become incapable to function.
Monday's testimony could prove troublesome for the proposed coalition. The bill must clear the committee before going to the Knesset for the second of three readings, and its passage requires a Knesset majority of 61.
"Changing the basic laws for political conveniences is suicidal" to democracy, one academic testified before the Knesset committee. Mazuz added, "Even if it is a small or minor change," such alterations require serious study.
Labor MK Haim Rimon, who proposed the bill, complained, "What are all these academic experts doing here? This is a political subject. If there will not be an additional deputy prime minister, there will not be a coalition. You don't understand politics. This is an exact occupation just like any other."
Likud MK Michael Eitan, head of the committee, chided Rimon for submitting the bill without checking with legal experts.
Dr. Suzie Navot told the committee, "This discussion shows this is not a technical or minor change. The Knesset should worry about its image in the public's eye. The message is problematic (and) in these days that entire groups call to violate the law for evacuation, it will be difficult for the Knesset to complain when itself does not play according to the rules."