Prague - Curbing unnecessary bureaucracy was one of Prime Minister Topolánek´s promises in 2006.
But that was before the parliamentary elections in 2006 and now, two years later, PM Topolánek (Civic Democrats) informed that this grandiose plan needs to be postponed.
Allegedly, it is not him lacking the courage, but rather his government lacking a strong mandate. "A weak coalition such as ours cannot make such changes," explained Topolánek.
The Czech public administration reform was initiated by the Social Democratic government of PM Miloš Zeman (1998-2002), and Topolánek has described himself in past as being totally dedicated to complete it.
Long distance race
After some important competences were transferred to the regional and municipal authorities, the ministries have found their agenda significantly reduced.
Thus many see it unavoidable to abolish a number of bureaus or even the entire ministries.
PM Topolánek has already expressed his support to bold visions produced by the eStat.cz association that wants five ministries to be abolished, namely ministry of health care, culture, agriculture, transport and regional development that are considered unnecessary.
Read more: eState Association proposes to cut down on ministries
Ironically, it was in the press release of the eStat association yesterday when PM Topolánek has admitted his government lacks power to put the reform through.
Stronger mandate needed
"Reducing the number of ministries is not enough, though. What is needed is a total change in people´s mindset. Today, bureaus are extremely rigid. Everyone sticks to their rubber stamps, dedicating their working hours to proving their importance," explained PM Topolánek.
That's why Topolánek is going to ask the voters to provide him with stronger mandate in 2010 when the next parliamentary elections are going to take place, so he can perform his goal. The fight against bureaucracy will thus become a part of the Civic Democrats´ pre-election campaign.
However, Topolánek assured that prior to the elections in 2010, some important yet only superficial steps towards the online public service will be performed. But the support in parliament for these reforms is far from being guaranteed at this moment.
Because of that Czech citizens won't be able to communicate with bureaus online before the government term is over in 2010.
Online public service postponed
According to PM Topolánek, online public service is not the core issue of the struggle to tame rampant bureaucracy.
In accord to the statements made by minister of industry Martin Říman, Topolánek informed that the public administration first needs to be de-bureaucratized, only then it will be fit to be put online.
Using the same logic, PM has informed that a law on civil service won't come in force until the end of the government term.
The law required by the EU was approved by Czech parliament already in 2002 and Topolánek has included its introduction in his government's program. Now, however, the cabinet is postponing the term of the law's introduction into reality.
PM Topolánek explains that in its present form, the law on civil service would hamper the planned bureaucracy reform that is to introduce a managerial style with higher pay grades and lower legal protection of jobs in public administration.
