Under the proposal, the law would be defeated if the majority of the valid ballots are against but only under the condition that at least a quarter of all eligible voters vote no.

A popular vote would not be permissible on laws containing urgent measures in defence of the country, security or in response to natural disasters, as well as on laws dealing with taxes, customs and other mandatory levies, and a law on the implementation of the national budget.

A referendum would also not be possible on laws ratifying international treaties, and laws designed to tackle established unconstitutionality in the area of human rights and freedoms or other unconstitutionality.

The modified proposal, formed by Speaker Gregor Virant based on positions by a group of experts, enjoys the backing of the coalition and the opposition Social Democrats (SD), while the Positive Slovenia (PS) want more time for reflection. This means the proposal has a constitutional two-thirds majority secured.

Virant expects the constitutional changes to be passed by the Constitution Commission today so that the National Assembly could debate the proposal at the January session with the second phase of procedure to follow in February.

Simultaneously with today's session, a group has announced a protest beneath the windows of the Constitution Commission to voice their disagreement with the changes.