Social Democrats and ANO come closer on taxes and public expenditures

Following late-night talks on Thursday potential coalition partners the Social Democrats and ANO say they have come closer to reaching agreement on taxes and public expenditures. The two parties’ representatives said they would now discuss outstanding issues with the third potential coalition partner the Christian Democrats. The leader of the ANO party, Andrej Babiš said talks were being speeded up in view of passing the 2014 budget by the end of December. He said his own party would propose further cuts in expenditures in the sphere of public administration. The three parties have also stressed the need to pass a civil service law as soon as possible, since it is crucial to the process of drawing EU funds.