Cabinet to debate draft budget in midst of coalition rift

In the midst of the most serious coalition rift to date, the cabinet is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the draft state budget for next year, which must be sent to the lower house by the end of September. The Finance Ministry had proposed a budget with a deficit of CZK 230 billion, but due to the damage caused by the recent floods, the proposed deficit is now CZK 10 billion higher. The cabinet is also due to approve an amendment to this year's budget, whose deficit is expected to increase by CZK 30 billion to CZK 282 billion as a result of the floods.