PM calls for constitutional change on budget to be voted in 2011

Prime Minister Petr Nečas said on Tuesday that he wanted to put a constitutional change calling for government’s to balance their budgets to be put before parliament next year. A vote in support could allow it to take effect from the start of 2012, he added. The change formed one of he main election goals of the Civic Democrats at May’s elections. Even with the backing of the two other government coalition parties, the constitutional amendment would require support from the left-wing Social Democrats and Communists. The prime minister said he thought backing from ‘responsible’ members of parliament could be found from these parties.