Andrej Babiš criticizes media agency contracts and considers tax hikes

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has raised concerns regarding the state's procurement of media and advertising services. He claimed that a group of companies has received approximately 5.284 billion CZK from 138 state and public institutions since 2014. Babiš characterized certain entities, including Knowlimits, Knoworigin, and Remmark, as part of a “criminal system” regarding how public funds are utilized for marketing and PR. Representatives for the agencies have rejected these allegations, stating that they participate in transparent, open tender processes.

In a separate fiscal matter, Babiš indicated that the government is considering various ways to improve budget revenues, including potential tax increases on dividends and investment properties. He suggested that higher taxation on owners of multiple properties might be necessary to ensure fairness for families unable to afford housing.

These discussions occur amid concerns over the national budget deficit, which is projected to reach 389 billion CZK next year. While Babiš aims to consolidate public finances through spending cuts and revenue increases, political figures such as Vladimír Pikora have expressed opposition to tax hikes, arguing that the state already extracts excessive funds from citizens without efficient redistribution.