Government policy programme includes pledge to balance budget by 2016

The recently installed Czech government approved its policy programme on Wednesday. The 46-page document is based on the coalition deal agreed between the three parties in the centre-right government, the Civic Democrats, TOP 09 and Public Affairs. Its most eye-catching provision is a pledge to balance the state budget.

Petr Nečas, photo: CTK

Prime Minister Petr Nečas’s government has set itself five priorities. One in particular stands out: an ambitious pledge to reign in the Czech Republic’s record budget deficit and achieve a balanced budget by 2016.

Otherwise, the coalition has committed itself to introducing long-called for pension reform, and making the country’s health system more modern and effective. Tertiary education too is set for reform, while the cabinet also says it will target corruption, with an emphasis on eliminating graft linked to the awarding of state contracts.

There was one small surprise. Mr Nečas and three senior ministers attended the funeral of Mašín group member Milan Paumer on Wednesday and – evidently swayed by the occasion – afterwards added to the policy programme a commitment to grant the small number who fought against communism the same status as resistance fighters from the two world wars.

Photo: Barbora Kmentová

On Tuesday the prime minister will present the policy programme to the Chamber of Deputies ahead of a vote of confidence. Given that the coalition has the biggest majority since the state was founded, it would seem virtually impossible that it will not get the votes it needs to become a fully-fledged government.