Finance Minister: state budget deficit will drop to 40 billion

The state budget for 2019 should have a deficit of 40 billion crowns, Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová said in an interview with Czech Television, noting a revised reading of macroeconomic data. Last month, the deficit was projected at up to 50 billion crowns.

The 2019 budget approved by the government envisages increased funding for teachers’ salaries and pensions as well as reduced social welfare benefits. Most ministries can expect more state money, except for the Ministry of Health, which is projected to take in more from health insurers.