Chamber of Deputies approves amendment to Pandemic Law

The Chamber of Deputies has approved a controversial amendment to the Pandemic Law which will give the government greater powers to introduce restrictions without the need for a state of emergency. The law was approved by 104 deputies out of 187 present, overriding a veto by the Senate.  Critics say some of the provisions in it are against the Constitutional order.

The Chamber of Deputies on Friday also started debating the 2022 draft budget in its first reading. Deputies are expected to approve the basic parameters of the budget including revenues, expenditures, and the proposed deficit of 280 billion crowns. The delay in approving this year’s budget was caused by the fact that the new administration of Prime Minister Petr Fiala wanted to cut the deficit proposed by the former government by 100 billion crowns. The proposed cost cutting measures are at the center of attention and were also addressed by President Miloš Zeman who advised the government to raise taxes and do away with tax exemptions of all kinds.