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The Czech state budget deficit decreased to less than 176 billion CZK by the end of August, down from 192.3 billion CZK in July, according to the Ministry of Finance. This marks the best budget performance in five years, though it remains the fifth-highest deficit in the country’s history. The improvement is attributed to higher tax revenues and stagnant overall spending. Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (Civic Democratic Party) expressed confidence that the government would meet the planned annual deficit of 252 billion CZK, provided responsible spending continues. Social benefits and debt servicing were the largest expenditure categories.

The Czech state budget deficit is projected to decrease steadily in the coming years, falling below 200 billion CZK by 2027, according to the Ministry of Finance's mid-term outlook. The deficit for 2024 is expected to be 230 billion CZK, down from the planned 252 billion CZK this year. By 2026, the deficit should reduce to 225 billion CZK, and further to 180 billion CZK by 2027. The ministry also anticipates a gradual decline in the public sector deficit relative to GDP, alongside a rise in public debt and increased debt servicing costs.

President Petr Pavel vetoed a bill that would have reduced the role of lay judges in court decisions, including criminal cases in district courts. He argued that such a significant change should have been preceded by a more thorough analysis and broader political debate. This is the first time the Czech President has used his veto since coming to office in 2023. The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the president's decision, stating it is his constitutional right. The government had proposed the change as a cost-saving measure, but Pavel emphasized the importance of lay judges in maintaining public trust and the democratic legitimacy of the judiciary.

A 23-year-old man from Prague was sentenced to 250 hours of community service by the Prague 1 District Court for approving the deadly shooting at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, reported Hospodářské noviny daily. Last December, a student killed 14 people at the university before taking his own life. The sentenced man, Metoděj Matys, made statements in a bar threatening to shoot colleagues and praised the shooter. The court also ordered him to undergo mandatory alcohol and drug treatment. This is the first conviction in connection with approving the university shooting.