Czech Radio: Constitutional changes face uphill battle in Senate

The Czech government's plans to amend the Constitution are unlikely to win enough support in the Senate, according to a survey by the Czech Radio news website iROZHLAS.cz. The governing coalition of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD) and the Motorists wants to introduce nationwide referendums, constitutional protection for the Czech currency (CZK), the right to pay in cash and live offline, and changes to presidential powers when appointing ministers. But constitutional amendments require a three-fifths majority in both chambers of Parliament. Most senators surveyed opposed reopening the Constitution, while many argued that any necessary changes should be made through ordinary legislation rather than constitutional amendments. The coalition also lacks enough votes in the Chamber of Deputies without opposition support.