Czech MPs debate state budget with dozens of amendments

Czech lawmakers are set to debate this year’s state budget late into the evening after extending the session beyond 9 p.m. During the second reading, MPs can propose shifts in spending within the budget, though the overall deficit of 310 billion crowns cannot be changed. Nearly 90 amendment proposals had been submitted by Tuesday morning, mostly by opposition parties, alongside several coalition proposals worth about 1.1 billion crowns. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) formally introduced amendments adding funds for the MEDEVAC humanitarian programme, sports infrastructure and youth organisations. The National Budget Council has previously warned the planned deficit may exceed limits set by fiscal responsibility rules.