Final Word from Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Doubting Thomases who didn't believe progress would be made on public-procurementlegislation might be surprised to learn that a draft amendment is now readyfor their review (click here). The working group that drafted the changes has adoptedalmost all of the 39 proposals of the Platform for Transparent Public Procurement,as well as those of the NERV National Economic Council. When Pavel Kohoutannounced his resignation from NERV earlier this year, he accused the developmentministry (which is in charge of the draft) of not being interested in real reform.The draft either shows that he spoke too soon, or that all the noise surrounding hisresignation had a positive impact. The battle now moves to Parliament, and Kohoutwould send lawmakers a very positive signal if he decided to embrace the draft andto postpone his departure from NERV until the law is passed by both chambers.
Glossary of difficult words
to regain one's nerve - to overcome a fear or other obstacle to taking action;
doubting Thomas - a person who is skeptical and refuses to believe something without proof (with biblical allusion to the apostle Thomas);
public procurement - the purchase of goods and services by government and public institutions;
noise - a loud outcry or commotion;
to embrace - to accept or support (a belief, theory or change) willingly and enthusiastically.