The Office of the President of the Czech Republic is set to expand with nine new positions being added from June 1. This expansion is being made to address the functional units that have been curtailed in recent years. However, this move comes at a time when the government is looking to save CZK 70 billion by reducing public spending, including on public officials.

Jana Vohralikova, head of the presidential office, stated that the presidential office is not seeking additional funding for these new positions but needs to fill 21 positions. Personnel transfers will fill twelve positions, and only nine new jobs will be created. The presidential office’s expansion has raised concerns among citizens, particularly in light of the Czech government’s cost-cutting measures.

President Petr Pavel has called for cost-cutting measures to be taken, with an emphasis on reducing spending. However, Pavel has also emphasized that the focus should be on increasing revenues rather than reducing spending. He has stated that the state’s administration and government are expensive and that cost-cutting measures should begin on the spending side. Pavel added that the presidential office is part of the state administration and will follow the same principles agreed upon for public officials.

The reorganization of the presidential office will not affect the Lany Forest Administration as it has a different accounting and personnel system incompatible with the Office of the President. Vohralikova said that this issue would be resolved in due course, and the presidential office would wait for all police investigations and audits to conclude before proceeding with the reorganization.

The expansion of the presidential office comes at a time when the country is facing significant political turmoil, with Prime Minister Andrej Babis facing allegations of corruption. Babis has been pressured to resign, and many have called for early elections. In this context, the expansion of the presidential office may be seen as a move to consolidate power by the president, particularly if the government is weakened or dissolved.

In conclusion, the expansion of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic has raised concerns among citizens, particularly in light of the government’s cost-cutting measures. While the presidential office is not seeking additional funding for the new positions, it is essential to address the functional units that have been curtailed in recent years. However, the timing of this expansion raises questions about the president’s intentions, particularly in the current political climate.

Article by Prague Forum