MPs overturn president’s veto on civil service bill

Czech MPs on Friday voted to approve the government’s civil service bill, overturning the president’s veto of the legislation. The bill should depoliticize public administration and overhaul the rules for the employment of public servants. However, the president had earlier warned he would file a complaint with the Constitutional Court if the bill is approved. Mr Zeman criticized, among other things, the fact that the legislation formally introduces posts of politically appointed deputy ministers. A civil service bill was first adopted by the Czech Parliament in 2002 as a prerequisite for the country’s accession to the EU but has never been implemented.

Author: Jan Richter