Constitutional Amendment Trends in 12 Countries... Updating Governance Structures and Fundamental Rights

National Assembly Library Publishes "Latest Foreign Legislative Information"

The National Assembly Library has published legislative information analyzing constitutional enactments and amendments around the world. It covers cases in which constitutional foundations were established to reorganize the structure and operations of state institutions in response to political and social changes, protect fundamental rights, and ensure continuity in the executive branch.

Exterior of the National Assembly Library. Reporter Yoon Dongju doso7@asiae.co.kr

On October 20, the National Assembly Library introduced major constitutional enactments and amendments in 12 countries from August 2024 through August 2026 in Issue No. 2026-21 of its "Latest Foreign Legislative Information" publication.

New Zealand introduced measures allowing ministers and others to remain in office for a set period even after losing their parliamentary seats, to ensure continuity in the executive branch following a general election. Switzerland established a constitutional basis for imposing a special property tax to offset declining tax revenue following the abolition of imputed rental value taxation on owner-occupied homes. Austria assigned the National Ombudsman the independent responsibility of monitoring fundamental rights in matters including border checks on third-country nationals.

The publication also includes cases involving changes to the structure and operations of state institutions. Kazakhstan adopted a new constitution by referendum, replacing its existing bicameral parliament with a unicameral one and creating the office of vice president. Cyprus clarified the eligibility requirements for the auditor general and deputy auditor general, set their terms at a single, nonrenewable eight-year term, and established a constitutional basis for ensuring the financial autonomy of its audit institutions.

Before adopting a new constitution, Hungary set out restrictions on eligibility for election to parliament, adjusted the terms of Constitutional Court justices and the heads of major judicial institutions, and provided for the protection of public assets. Mexico, Vatican City, Brazil, Spain, El Salvador, Israel, and other countries also enacted or amended constitutions concerning electoral systems, audit institutions, the powers of state institutions, and fundamental values.

"Constitutional enactments and amendments in various countries show the different ways in which they are updating the principles and systems of government in response to changing political and social environments," said Kim Seongwan, director of the Legal Information Office at the National Assembly Library. "I hope the cases from the 12 countries featured in this publication will serve as useful reference material in future discussions on improving our Constitution and related systems."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.