The President of the Republic signs the State Budget Act. He personally communicated his reservations about the draft to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance at a joint meeting last week. He received the necessary assurances from both politicians and therefore signed the draft within the legal deadline.
"In our constitutional system, competences are clearly defined. Budget policy is a prerogative area of the government, for which it is accountable to the Chamber of Deputies and which determines the direction of its own policies and priorities. My objections to the present proposal are that some of the projected revenue and expenditure is not realistic. It may not be the most significant sum in the overall volume of the state finances, but I believe that the state budget must conform to rules and practices and be truthful and as credible as possible in every item," explains the President of the Republic. He formulated his reservations and subsequently discussed them with Prime Minister Fiala and Finance Minister Stanjura at a joint meeting on Monday 9 December.
"I have received personal assurances from both politicians that if the doubts about underestimated expenditure and overestimated revenue are fulfilled, there will be no violation of the Budget Responsibility Rules Act. For this guarantee, the government will bear political and moral responsibility," adds Petr Pavel.
Even rejecting the bill would not bring about its modification, he adds President: "If I exercise my right to veto the State Budget Act, the Chamber of Deputies has the opportunity to override it. The budget would then be valid again in the form proposed by the government. Adjustments to the budget would thus only be possible if the Chamber of Deputies did not override the veto. In that case, the entire legislative process would have to be repeated, which would mean a longer budget provision."
Despite these reservations, the President of the Republic appreciates the fact that the government began consolidating public finances three years ago and that the budget for 2025, although it is an election year, is not wasteful, promises significant investments and provides for commitments to the country's defence and higher spending on science and research.
However, public finances are still not stabilised and the deficit is significant. The government - both the current and the next - should devote increased efforts to consolidate public finances in order to leave room for the necessary major investments that await the country in the coming years. Whether in research, education, energy or transport and digital infrastructure.
Department of Communication of the CPR
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