Gross, Grebenick, criticise Christian Democrat leader's proposal to delay pay rise for police, fire-fighters and customs officials

A proposal by Christian Democrat leader Miroslav Kalousek to delay an increase in wages for police officers, fire-fighters and customs officials has been criticised by the prime minister as well as the head of the opposition communist party. Speaking on a Sunday discussion programme Prime Minister Stanislav Gross, together with Communist Party head Miroslav Grebenicek, called the proposal a "populist" tactic ahead of regional elections in November. Mr Gross pointed out that the Christian Democrats had previously helped approve the government's law on raising wages for police and other public officials in Parliament.

The bill will take effect next January 1st.