Minister of Finance Stanjura caught it from the opposition: Intentionally damaging the Czech Republic, Schillerová digs into it

2023-06-15 14:39:00

Today, the opposition movement ANO once again called on Prime Minister Petr Fiala to deprive Finance Minister Zbyňek Stanjura (both ODS) of the possibility to “devastate” public finances in connection with the growth of the deficit. “It is not carelessness, but intentional damage to the Czech Republic,” Alena Schillerová, chairwoman of the ANO parliamentary club and Stanjur’s predecessor at the head of the Ministry of Finance, said at a press conference. According to Schillerová, the ministry under Stanjur’s leadership pays insufficient attention to tax collection. He then wants to correct the deficit by increasing taxes for self-employed people and families.

According to Schillerová, Stanjur’s policy makes it impossible for the Czech Republic to draw up European subsidies in the amount of over 120 billion crowns intended for the period until the end of this year. If we fail to reimburse and certify them by December, we will lose them irretrievably, Schillerová said at the press conference. A competent minister would not allow him to lose this money, she emphasized. According to it, ANO will quantify the amount of damage caused, or inform the Supreme Control Office or law enforcement authorities about them.

Compliance with the planned state budget deficit of 295 billion crowns is extremely unlikely, according to the recently published regular quarterly opinion of the National Budget Council (NRR). At the end of May, the state budget was in a deficit of 271.4 billion crowns and thus came close to meeting the total planned deficit. Ministers are discussing possible savings, they want to find an agreement within two weeks. According to the NRR, the bad budgetary situation is caused by the lack of money from the modernization fund and the negative balance of measures in the energy sector, as well as the slower rate of collection of indirect taxes, which is related to the decline in household consumption.

From the point of view of the further development of public finances, it will be crucial in what form the government’s consolidation package is finally approved, according to the council. The NRR welcomed its creation and considers the extent of consolidation to be acceptable. According to Fial’s earlier statement, the budget deficit is not developing well, but it cannot yet be said that the government will not comply with the approved deficit of 295 billion crowns for the whole year. In the summer, the cabinet expects income from the so-called windfall tax, a dividend from ČEZ or money from European funds, then we will see what the actual state of the budget is, he says.