Coalition plans tougher enforcement of child support payments

The incoming coalition of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists’ parties wants to tighten the enforcement of child support payments. According to coalition lawmakers, changes to the Criminal Code taking effect on January 1 will make the current system ineffective. Senator Jana Mračková Vildumetzová of ANO said the new government, which takes office on Monday, plans to amend legislation approved this summer. Outgoing justice Minister Eva Decroix (Civic Democrats) urged the coalition to wait for an analysis of the new rules’ impact. Under the reform, non-payment of child support will no longer be a criminal offence in most cases, though interest on unpaid amounts has been increased.