Czech Chamber of Deputies advances budget proposal to second reading

The Czech Chamber of Deputies has approved the basic parameters of the government's draft state budget for next year, moving it to a second reading after a debate lasting nearly 20 hours. The proposed budget includes a deficit increase to 386 billion CZK, up from 310 billion CZK this year.

Planned revenues are expected to rise by 80.8 billion CZK to 2.199 trillion CZK, while expenditures are projected to increase by 156.8 billion CZK to 2.585 trillion CZK. The deficit is expected to be covered primarily through increased state debt.

Finance Minister Alena Schillerová described the budget as a lawful and realistic tool for economic policy, emphasizing investments and healthcare support. The opposition unsuccessfully attempted to return the budget to the government with recommendations to reduce the deficit. Following this stage, deputies will proceed to discuss individual budget chapters and propose internal fund transfers.