Debate on government’s austerity package expected to take weeks

The debate in the lower house on the government’s austerity package was curtailed on Friday and will continue on Wednesday, September 27, the ctk news agency reported. As expected, the package has come under fire from the opposition parties and the debate on it could take several weeks. However, the ruling coalition has a comfortable majority in both houses and is in a position to push it through.

The package, aimed at lowering the state deficit, will raise taxes for individuals and companies, result in  layoffs, lower wages in the public sector, and further increase consumer prices. It aims to cut the deficit by a total of CZK 150 billion by 2025.