PM Babiš defends 2027 budget with 389-billion-crown deficit

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has defended the proposed 2027 state budget, saying critics calling for cuts fail to say where the government could economize. He said he was ready to hear coalition partners Motorists and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), who are also pushing for a lower deficit, but stressed that the government needs to invest now in order to boost growth and enable a gradual lowering of the deficit in the years to come.

The proposed draft budget for 2027 posts a deficit of 389 billion crowns, up from 310 billion this year. It must be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies by September 30 and approved by year-end.