Senators debating government bills for first time due to dissolution of lower house

Prime Minister Jiří Rusnok on Wednesday attended a session of the Senate to try and ensure safe passage for a number of government-proposed bills to which senators have tabled amendments. They include bills aimed at increasing contributions to the health system from state insurers and measures linked to public tenders. Following the dissolution of the chamber of deputies the fate of these bills is now in the hands of the Senate. Should the upper chamber reject them it could seriously complicate the running of the country. The debate is expected to continue on Thursday.