Czech government begins two-week summer recess

Ministers in Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's government began a two-week summer break on Friday. The cabinet will resume its regular meetings on July 17, with preparations for next year's state budget expected to dominate the agenda.

Prime Minister Babiš and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová already launched budget negotiations last week. The government is expected to spend much of September finalizing the spending plan. Asked whether he would focus on campaigning ahead of October's local and Senate elections, Babiš said the budget discussions would take priority.