Czech MPs to debate tougher rules on unpaid child support

Lawmakers in the Czech lower house are set to debate a government-backed amendment expanding the criminal offence of failing to pay child support. The proposal would once again penalise cases where payments are missed for more than four months, even if the dependent person is not at immediate risk of hardship, provided the non-payment is intentional. Sponsors are pushing for fast-track approval in the first reading. The session of the Chamber of Deputies will also consider scrapping a nomination law regulating appointments to state and semi-state firms, as well as social measures proposed by Labour Minister Aleš Juchelka (ANO Party). Opposition parties are expected to seek changes to the agenda.