Stormy debate on government’s austerity package enters third day in Parliament

Debate on the government’s austerity package entered into its third day in the lower house on Thursday. The opposition parties launched a fierce attack against the government over the proposed changes, accusing it of damaging citizens and companies and breaking its promise not to raise taxes. Alena Schillerová, head of the ANO deputies’ group in the lower house, said the package was predominantly a major hike in taxes that would further raise inflation. The opposition parties are expected to table dozens of proposed amendments. However the ruling coalition has a comfortable majority in both houses and has said it is resolved to push the package through, with only cosmetic changes to be considered.