MPs to decide on president's budget veto in August

President Petr Pavel has vetoed a controversial bill overhauling the Czech Republic's public budget rules, arguing that it would undermine the long-term sustainability of public finances and weaken parliamentary oversight in favour of the government. The legislation will return to the Chamber of Deputies, which is scheduled to vote on overriding the veto on 25 August. The governing coalition, which holds 108 seats, has said it has enough votes to overturn the president's decision, requiring a minimum of 101 votes.

Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) has defended the bill, saying it is needed to allow greater spending flexibility, particularly for defence and strategic infrastructure, and warning that without it next year's budget deficit would be significantly constrained.