President Pavel to discuss budget and security with Babiš (ANO)

President Petr Pavel is meeting Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) at Prague Castle on Tuesday to discuss this year’s state budget and the current security situation at home and abroad. According to the Presidential Office, the agenda also includes Czech preparedness for crisis and emergency situations as well as the schedule of upcoming foreign trips. The meeting is described as regular and planned. Parliament approved the budget last week with a deficit of CZK 310 billion, and only the president’s signature is now needed. Pavel has already indicated he will not veto the bill, though he criticised planned security and defence spending. Nevertheless, the President has already said he woulkd neither veto nor delay signing the budget.