PRAGUE - Today the Chamber of Deputies will hold the final act of deliberations on a controversial proposal to transfer funding for non-teaching staff from the state level to municipalities and regions. The move, which has sparked considerable controversy between the ruling coalition, the opposition and representatives of local governments, is intended to make education funding more efficient and increase the autonomy of regions. Critics warn, however, that the change will lead to inequalities between regions and threaten the operational stability of schools.
The vote is expected to take place later this morning. Preliminary indications are that the government's proposal has sufficient support, although the opposition promises stiff opposition and possible further constitutional action. Both the Association of Regions and the Union of Municipalities have previously warned that without compensation mechanisms in place, there could be staff layoffs and reduced services in schools. In the afternoon, MPs will move on to the next major agenda item - the selection of candidates for state honours. The House will discuss proposals to recommend to President Peter Paul for the award or conferment of honours on the occasion of the national holiday on 28 October. The preliminary list includes around 150 names, including personalities from the fields of science, culture, sport and national defence.
The President has the right to decide on the final form of the list. Traditionally, in addition to publicly known names, it is expected that lesser-known citizens who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery or lifetime achievement will be honored. Today's meeting will be watched with particular interest by both the media and the public, and may have a significant impact on future developments in education and the prestige of state awards.
gnews.cz - GH
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