Senate Constitutional Committee says proposed change to presidential powers is unconstitutional

A government-proposed amendment to the law that would remove the president’s power to appoint and dismiss heads of permanent missions to international organisations is unconstitutional, according to the Senate’s Constitutional Committee.

The committee issued its opinion on Tuesday on a broader accompanying amendment to a coalition-backed bill on state employees. Seven of the eight senators present supported the opinion.

The Senate is likely to reject both bills at its upcoming session. The Chamber of Deputies would then reconsider them and would probably override the expected Senate vetoes with its coalition majority.

President Petr Pavel said in March that he saw no reason to change the current practice for appointing and dismissing heads of permanent missions.

The dispute could ultimately be referred to the Constitutional Court.