Labour Minister: Czechs with higher incomes should pay more tax

People with higher incomes should pay more tax, especially in times of crisis, says Labour and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurečka in an interview with the daily newspaper Právo published on Saturday. Mr. Jurečka, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, wants to propose the introduction of a temporary solidarity tax for high-income taxpayers, lasting for a period of between two to four years. The specific level of taxation has not yet been stated.

He said in the interview that additional resources for the state budget are needed due to financial measures to assist lower-income households with energy prices. In his opinion, the rich should contribute more as a gesture of solidarity to help those who are suffering under the current cost of living crisis.

However, not everyone agrees with him. The president of government coalition partner TOP 09, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, wrote on Twitter on Saturday that she does not agree with the proposal to raise taxes for higher-income earners. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jan Skopeček, also spoke out against the idea.