Lawmakers to again debate controversial tax bill

Prague, Sept 16 (CTK) - The Czech Chamber of Deputies will again start discussing the controversial government-sponsored package of tax changes aimed to improve public budgets at its session that starts on Tuesday, September 18.

The lower house of parliament did not pass the package after the left-dominated Senate vetoed it at its previous September session over a revolt by several members of the senior ruling Civic Democratic Party (ODS).

The government immediately submitted the draft again and tied it with a vote of confidence.

The taxes will start with the first reading which is expected to be smooth. The rebels have said they will support the legislation in the first reading and that they will also be in favour of shortening the deadline for its discussion in committees.

The group of ODS deputies, however, are still opposed to the proposed raising of VAT from 14 and 20 percent to 15 and 21 percent and other tax changes.

They want the state to cut its spendings and raise revenues from privatisation of its property.

Their proposals are to be further negotiated about.

The house should also take a final vote on a bill strengthening the rights of criminal deeds' victims and a draft amendment restricting the number of appellate reviews filed with the Supreme Court.

The deputies should also discuss a bill on the use of marijuana for curative purposes in the third and final reading.

The session agenda contains some 170 points. The lawmakers will discuss in the first reading a government bill restricting bearer shares and a bill by the opposition Public Affairs (VV) abolishing them completely.

Other points include the introduction of a national referendum and draft legislation limiting the lawmakers' immunity.

The session is to last one and a half weeks and it is not expected that the lawmakers would manage to discuss all points on the agenda.