The Czech Republic is the last of the EU's 27 countries not to have an anti-discrimination law.
If the Chamber failed to pass it soon, the country would probably face a suit and a fine from the European Commission. To override the presidential veto, minimally 101 deputies of the 200-seat Chamber must support the bill. Stehlikova told CTK that the Chamber should vote on the bill only later when the tension between the opposition and coalition relents. She admitted Czech Greens not to seek post in Chamber of Deputies leadership ...
Czechs might partially pay for fillings, but later - minister ...
Czech govt rejects CSSD plan to compensate pensioners for reforms ... that the delay was not good, but she pointed out that it would be a far more serious problem if the Chamber failed to override the veto. "A consensus is much more important than time," she pointed out. The government coalition of the Civic Democrats (ODS), the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) and the Greens (SZ), which had a shaky majority in the Chamber even before, now suffers from disunity. The Chamber was originally to vote on the anti-discrimination bill during this week's regular session, but the issue - as well as most of the remaining agenda - was not dealt with due to squabbles and controversies, mainly concerning changes in the Chamber committees. An extraordinary session is likely to be held next week, but the bill is not on its agenda either. The next regular session is scheduled for September, but the Chamber might meet extraordinarily during the summer recess. The opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) who backed the bill in the past recently said they would not support it anymore. Moreover, three ODS rebel MPs, headed by Vlastimil Tlusty, said they would not vote against Klaus's veto. Stehlikova said it would be a big shame for the country if it were fined for the law's absence, especially ahead of the 2009 Czech EU presidency. The anti-discrimination bill aims to ensure equal access to education, work, health care and social advantages, for instance, irrespective of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, health handicap, sex, religion and world outlook.
(Ceske Noviny)
more info >>
<< Back