President Pavel to announce decision on 2024 state budget

President Petr Pavel will announce today whether he will sign or veto the 2024 state budget, which includes a deficit of CZK 241 billion. Pavel has expressed concerns over unclear revenue estimates, particularly from emissions permit sales, and funding for non-teaching staff salaries in schools. If vetoed, the Chamber of Deputies can override it, but only after ten days. Without approval by year-end, the government would operate under a provisional budget. Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura met Pavel last week, confident their arguments would secure his approval.