The lower house of the Czech parliament is set to embark on another round of deliberations this week concerning the government’s proposed measures aimed at reducing the national deficit. However, there is a lingering possibility that the ongoing third reading, which commenced on September 27th, may once again remain unresolved.

Deputies will convene on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the regular October session of the Chamber of Deputies. During this session, discussions will revolve around the draft state budget for 2024, with its first reading scheduled for October 25th. On Tuesday, the lower house is expected to tackle bills in the second reading. Nevertheless, Tuesday afternoons typically witness opposition motions aimed at introducing new items to the agenda, a process that can extend for several hours as justifications are presented.

Wednesday will see the lower house reconvene for an extraordinary session aimed at finalizing the government’s consolidation package in its third reading. The third reading has already spanned approximately ten hours over two previous session days. The bill has come under intense scrutiny from opposition MPs who are vehemently defending their amendments, particularly those aimed at blocking proposed tax increases. The opposition has voiced concerns, characterizing the package as a significant tax hike. Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura (ODS) has previously expressed his desire to secure approval for the package by mid-October. A further fifty MPs are slated to participate in the debate before the vote.

The first reading of the state budget is scheduled for October 25th. Prior to that, the budget committee will analyze the budget bill and make recommendations to MPs regarding its approach. During the first reading, the lower house approves fundamental budgetary figures, encompassing revenues, expenditures, the projected deficit, and its intended resolution. These figures remain unalterable in subsequent rounds. While the budget cannot be outright rejected, it can, in theory, be returned to the government for revisions. Given the ruling coalition’s majority, Petr Fiala’s government is expected to successfully pass its second state budget.

These deliberations in the Czech parliament are crucial as they shape the nation’s financial future, particularly in the context of deficit reduction and fiscal policy. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Czech Republic’s economic stability and growth prospects.

Article by Prague Forum