Church-government commission on changes to restitution legislation dissolved

An expert commission to discuss possible changes to a church restitution law made up of representatives of coalition parties the Social Democrats and ANO and faith groups has ceased to exist. Church representatives suggested the dissolution of the commission after three months, the Social Democrats’ chief negotiator on church restitution, Alena Gajdůšková, said after its final meeting on Tuesday night. She said the churches were unwilling to accept a reduction in financial settlements or alterations linked to inflation. The faith groups have called on the government to hold discussions on a new model of cooperation between both sides. The Social Democrats are pushing to roll back elements of legislation passed by a previous, right-wing government returning and paying compensation for church property seized by the Communists.

Author: Ian Willoughby