Christian Democrat conference recommends MPs to approve tax reform, opposition rejects reform package

A national conference of the Christian Democratic Party on Wednesday issued a recommendation to Christian Democrat MPs to support the government's proposed tax and social reform package. Although party deputies are not unanimous on the issue, Christian Democrat chairman Jiri Cunek and his party colleague Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek say they have no doubts as to the unanimous approval of the reforms by their parliamentary party.

Meanwhile, the opposition Social Democrats and the Communists have ruled out support for the government's financial reform package. The two parties say the package, which aims to slash taxes and public spending, only benefits the wealthy.