Czech government insists new construction law will pass

The Czech Ministry of Regional Development (MMR) continues to promise passage of a new construction that would reduce construction permit waiting periods from 5.5 years to just one. But Hospodářské noviny reports that the government's bill has numerous enemies, like conservationists, local politicians and environmentalists, all of whom are working to block or sidetrack its path through Paliament. MMR minister Klara Dostalova says she'll adopt any changes that would help the new law and discuss all suggestions her ministry disagrees with. One of the biggest objections to the new law is the 30-day time limit it gives the numerous state institutions to make a ruling. Under the proposed new law, failure by any office to meet the 30-day deadline will be treated as tacit approval by that office. Local officials are also expected to attempt to block the creation of a centralized construction office that would replace municipal construction offices.