Party leaders agree on changes to budget package

Leaders of the Czech political parties meeting with Finance Minister Eduard Janota have apparently agreed on modifications to the minister’s budget package. If effected, the changes will leave the 2010 budget with a slightly increased deficit, though it will remain below 170 billion. Prime Minister Jan Fischer has given that number as one of the conditions his interim government demands if the cabinet is to remain in place until elections. The breakthrough was reached largely through compromises with the left-wing parties that accepted their key parental subsidies issues while forcing them to give up on demands for progressive taxation. Following the Wednesday afternoon meeting most of the party leaders said the package would have their parties’ support provided any further changes remain at a cosmetic level. The budget committee has now recommended that Parliament approve the package and MPs are planning to deal with it on Thursday.