The Czech Chamber of Deputies has passed a new law on state employees that impacts approximately 70,000 officials across 150 government offices. The legislation changes how high-level civil servants are evaluated and reduces the authority of the Service Commission, moving it from a decisive to an advisory role.
How does the new law change civil service oversight?
Under the new regulations, the position of the Highest State Secretary, which previously monitored personnel changes and high-level appointments, will be abolished. The Service Commission will also lose its decision-making power and will function only as an advisory body.
Additionally, the law introduces changes to the evaluation process for the civil service elite. While the previous system required evaluations to be conducted by direct supervisors, the new law allows ministers and politicians to participate in the evaluation of state secretaries and top section directors.
What are the potential risks to EU funding?
The European Commission has previously warned that the Czech Republic could lose access to funds from the European Recovery Fund if new legislation fails to meet specific EU reform conditions. Experts and opposition members argue that the new law moves away from the requirement for an apolitical state administration.
Critics claim the changes are designed to allow the governing coalition to more easily replace existing officials with individuals loyal to the current administration.
Who proposed the legislation and where did it originate?
The bill was introduced by four members of the governing coalition: Radek Vondráček and Zuzana Ožanová for the ANO movement, Libor Vondráček for SPD, and Renata Vesecká for Motorists sobě. The proponents submitted the norm two weeks after the establishment of the Babiš government.
According to reporting by Seznam Zprávy, the text of the law was developed at the Government Office. The legislation also includes a broader amendment to the Foreign Service Act, which includes removing the President’s authority to appoint and dismiss heads of permanent missions at international organizations.
What happens next in the legislative process?
The law will now proceed to the Senate of the Czech Republic for review. If passed by the Senate, it will be sent to the President for final approval.
If the Service Commission’s decision-making power is removed, officials who believe they have been wrongfully dismissed may have to appeal through the court system. Such legal processes can potentially last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many state officials are affected by this new law?
The law affects approximately 70,000 state employees across 150 different offices.
What change is being made to the Service Commission?
The commission is being transitioned from a decisive body into a purely advisory organ.
What is the potential consequence regarding European Union funds?
The European Commission has warned that the Czech Republic could lose money from the European Recovery Fund if the new law does not meet EU reform conditions.
How will these structural changes affect the long-term independence of the Czech civil service?
