Prague wants to decide on monuments without the NPÚ

"The removal of the obligation to request a written opinion from the NPÚ as a mandatory basis in the proceedings for issuing a binding statement will contribute to speeding up and clarifying the process of issuing binding statements. The possibility for the state heritage preservation authority to request a written statement from the NPÚ based on administrative discretion remains preserved," the document states. According to information from ČTK, the councilors are to receive the document as so-called "on the table," meaning outside the already approved agenda. The document is available to ČTK.

According to the document, the change is primarily meant to help expedite work on objects that are not cultural monuments but are located within heritage-protected areas. The elimination of the obligation to consult the NPÚ on projects is also intended to rectify inconsistencies in the law.

The city criticizes the NPÚ in the material for frequently not respecting the legally established deadlines that the magistrate has for its decisions. "It is very common for the NPÚ in its opinion to disregard the binding statement issued by the state administration authority at the previous level, which is binding and on which further proceedings for the issuance of a binding statement rely," the document states.

The intention is criticized by Prague councilor and deputy mayor of Prague 7 Ondřej Mirovský (SZ/Trojkoalice). "The proposal of the mayor (Adriana Krnáčová) brings Prague a step closer to being removed from the UNESCO list and the abolition of the Prague heritage reserve. Moreover, it is absurd for Prague to present this proposal. On the contrary, we should set an example of how to connect history and modern architecture, and that cannot happen without the experts from the NPÚ. Therefore, we will fundamentally oppose this proposal at Tuesday's vote," Mirovský told ČTK. The Greens (SZ) governs as part of the Trojkoalice (SZ, KDU-ČSL, and STAN) along with ANO and ČSSD.

If the councilors approve the proposal for the amendment on Tuesday, it must still be discussed by the representatives at their meeting. Only then can the city send it to the House of Representatives. The representatives will meet at the next session on September 6.

Prague has used its legislative initiative several times in the past. Most recently, it created an amendment to the Trade Licensing Act, which is intended to newly regulate tour guide activities in Prague. The reason is unqualified guides without licenses.