President Pavel will not veto 2026 state budget despite reservations

President Petr Pavel will not exercise his right of veto over this year’s state budget. The government draft, which foresees a deficit of CZK 310 billion, is considered by some experts to be in breach of the law.

In an interview with Deník.cz, Pavel said the president should not dictate to the government what the budget should look like. He also said he expects that the law on budgetary responsibility will be  amended.

President Pavel himself has been critical of the proposed cuts in defense spending calling them “irresponsible” and saying they could damage the country’s standing among its allies, including Ukraine.

The Chamber of Deputies has so far approved the basic parameters of the draft budget. It will now be discussed by parliamentary committees.