Czech Parliament overrides President Pavel's veto on civil service law

The Czech Chamber of Deputies has voted to override President Petr Pavel's veto regarding a new law governing state employees. The legislation, supported by a coalition of ANO, SPD, and Motorist deputies, aims to align civil service employment more closely with standard labor code regulations to increase administrative flexibility and efficiency.

Key changes include the abolition of the so-called ‘pool’ system, which previously allowed departing officials to receive up to 80 percent of their salary for three months; instead, they will receive a severance payment. The law also lowers educational requirements for certain positions and removes protections such as the role of the highest state secretary and the service commission.

President Pavel and opposition members have criticized the move, warning of the potential politicization of the state administration. They argue the law could allow successive governments to purge officials for political reasons, contradicting European Commission recommendations for a neutral and professional civil service. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions that reduce the President's authority to appoint heads of permanent missions at international organizations.