Prague, Oct 14 (CTK) – Czech diplomats may perhaps be able to stay in office even after turning 70 under the clause inserted in the government-proposed amendment to the civil service law by the Chamber of Deputies constitutional and legal committee yesterday.
The change has been suggested by President Milos Zeman who wants Czech ambassador to Syria Eva Filipi not to leave.
The age limit for ambassadors set by the civil service law applies also to Czech Ambassador to Slovakia Livia Klausova, wife of Zeman’s predecessor Vaclav Klaus. She will turn 72 years in November.
Filipi and Klausova should leave their posts at the end of the year.
However, Zeman, 71, is of the view that the execution of a post should not be made conditional on age.
Under the change, backed by the deputies from the coalition government and opposition alike, diplomats who turn 70 during their term will be able to finish their mission.
As the modification is not to be valid retroactively, it is unclear whether it will relate to Filipi and Klausova.
The civil service law took effect in July. It covers over 68,000 government employees.
