MPs return civil service bill to second reading

The Chamber of Deputies has returned a government civil service bill to a second reading after the coalition agreed to adopt changes demanded by the opposition; this includes dropping a proposal for a chief civil servant whose office would control the entire system. The legislation is aimed at depoliticising the civil service and enabling the increased usage of available European Union funds. MPs are expected to debate the bill again on September 10. The prime minister, Bohuslav Sobotka, said even if President Miloš Zeman vetoes the bill it should come into force from the start of next year.

Author: Ian Willoughby