Babiš: next year's budget deficit to stay well below CZK 400bn

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) says next year's state budget deficit will remain well below 400 billion crowns. Coming to a meeting with Finance Minister Alena Schillerova (ANO), he told journalist that the government will push ministers to cut operating costs while continuing to increase investment, including in healthcare infrastructure, roads and defence. Babiš also confirmed that defence spending should reach two percent of GDP. He said the government expects higher revenues from expanded electronic sales reporting and tougher action against illegal employment to help keep the deficit under control.