Prime Minister Petr Fiala has made it clear that the government’s austerity package is not up for negotiation. The package, which was published on Thursday, includes plans to save CZK 94 billion this year through the discontinuation of non-investment subsidies, taxation changes, lay-offs and other measures.
The government is also planning to reform the state old-age pension system. Mr. Fiala said that the cabinet would only make alterations to its plans if there were mistakes in the drafts.
The austerity package has been met with criticism from some quarters, but the Prime Minister has made it clear that the government will not be swayed by pressure and will not change the essential elements of the package.