Czech and Slovak Governments Face Funding Gaps for Social Services and Healthcare

In the Czech Republic, the government raised wage tariffs for social‑service staff by about 5 % from 1 April but did not increase state subsidies accordingly. Providers of elderly care and disability services report a shortfall of roughly 1.5‑2 billion CZK, forcing reductions in extraordinary bonuses and raising concerns about cutbacks in activities. The shortfall also affects cultural institutions, with funding cuts of up to 27 %.

In Slovakia, health‑care financing has doubled from €1 billion to €2 billion over four years, financed through higher payroll contributions that rose from 4 % to 5 % in 2026. Despite the increase, state hospitals have accrued €1 billion in debt to the social insurance agency, highlighting a persistent fiscal hole in the health system and prompting calls for comprehensive reforms.