MPs fail to pass session's agenda

Prague, Sept 4 (CTK) - Czech MPs' debate on the agenda of the Chamber of Deputies' September session that started this afternoon ended after four hours without the agenda being approved and with the debate on it being adjourned until Wednesday.

The plenary session's debate yesterday was terminated early by the deputies' group of the senior ruling Civic Democrats (ODS) who are split on whether to support the government bill increasing VAT. Critics of the bill among the ODS deputies reportedly want the government of Prime Minister Petr Necas (ODS chairman) to withdraw the bill and submit it later including certain modifications.

yesterday's plenary debate ended earlier this evening after the ODS group asked for a pause for an internal discussion.

A one-percent increase in both VAT rates, along with a higher taxation of the highest income groups, are steps with which the Finance Ministry reckons in its draft state budget for 2013.

Necas says he would not head the cabinet if the bill failed in parliament. However, six rebels among the ODS MPs, headed by Petr Tluchor, refuse to support the tax increase. Without their votes, the coalition would be unable to override the upper house's veto.

Votes of at least 101 deputies in the 200-seat Chamber are needed for it to override the upper house's veto and pass the bill.

Necas's three-party government has 100 seats in the Chamber.

Necas previously said if the bill failed now, he would submit it again and link the Chamber's vote on it with a vote of confidence in his government. The bill's critics in the ODS have called this decision unfortunate.

Earlier yesterday, the lower house's debate consisted mainly of speeches of opposition deputies addressing various requests to the cabinet and suggesting that some additional issues be put on the session's agenda.