Opposition criticises civil service changes as MPs reconsider vetoed bill

Opposition MPs criticised civil service changes on Wednesday as the lower house reconsidered legislation vetoed by President Petr Pavel. The coalition of the ANO Party (ANO), Freedom and Democracy Party (SPD) and Motorists wants to replace the Civil Service Act from November. Marian Jurečka of the Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL) warned this would facilitate dismissals of inconvenient officials. Vít Rakušan of the Mayors and Independents Party (STAN) urged further debate. President Pavel fears political interference and weaker protections for senior officials. Supporters say the changes would align civil servants’ employment with ordinary labour arrangements. The coalition is expected to override the veto.