Draft 2010 state budget passes in first reading

The Chamber of Deputies has passed the draft state budget for 2010 in a first reading. The draft proposes a deficit of 163 billion crowns, which is 5.3 percent of GDP. Now it will go the lower house committees for possible changes. The Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, for example, would like to preserve maternity leave allowances at their current level, as well as secure more funds for social services. Finance Minister Eduard Janota countered on Friday that cuts made in the social sphere had not been “radical”. He also warned against further increasing debt. A final draft is expected to be approved by the lower house in December.