Lower house votes rule change on presence of premier, mobile phones

The lower house of parliament meeting on Wednesday backed a change in the rules meaning that the prime minister or deputy prime ministers will no longer have to be present for the session to continue sitting. The change allows them to be replaced by other members of the government. During the government of Mirek Topolánek, deputy premier Martin Bursík complained he missed important international meetings because of the stipulation that he must be present in the chamber.

A ban on mobile phones being used by members of the house was also abolished. The changes were proposed by the head of the Civic Democrat group in the house, Petr Tluchoř.

Author: Chris Johnstone