Judges block reform

ODS has prepared an amendment for requiring that entries into the commercial registry be carried out within a week. TV Nova declared last night that the proposal has little chance of passage, because no Czech government office can be made to work so quickly. It cited unnamed coalition MPs who oppose the bill. ODS's proposal, though, is based on the general principles already approved by the cabinet. ODS is showing a willingness to put aside political bickering in the interest of resolving an issue that almost everyone agrees is a problem. The main naysayers continue to be the commercial-court judges. Under ODS's plan, their role in the registration process - and their opportunity for under-the-table payments - would be reduced dramatically. Outwardly, they're endorsing reform of the commercial registry. But in reality, they're doing their best to prevent it. register