Patriarch"s initiative led to a difference of opinion in the ruling party

Divided majority. Although today Patriarchate made official statement which explains the issue connected with for the pardon of prisoners by the Patriarch, the opinions in the ruling team still differ.Some of MPs believe that the Patriarch must have the right to pardon.

Those part of the majority who have a legal education, focus on non-compliance of this initiative with the Constitution .

In case constitutional amendments are drafted, the parliamentary majority will not have the support of opponents. The opposition speaks about the risk of Church interference in secular issues and says that the coalition tried to exploit it for political benefits.

The President visited the Patriarch today.However, whether the President and His Holiness discussed this issue remained unknown.

The possible granting of pardon right to Patriarch was followed by a strong reaction in the public sector. The rally was planned at the State Chancellery but it was cancelled after the announcement about counter rally.