Social affairs minister warns of shortfall in welfare budget

The minister of labour and social affairs, Ludmila Müllerová, says her ministry will this year lack billions of crowns needed for social welfare payments. Speaking on a TV debate show on Sunday, she said she would ask the Ministry of Finance for increased funding. However, the minister of finance, Miroslav Kalousek (who is also from the TOP 09 party), said he could find no extra money for the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Mr. Kalousek said Ms. Müllerová would have to find the money needed within her own department, which receives the greatest amount for outlays of any ministry.

Author: Ian Willoughby