Politicians start debating reform package

The lower house started debating the government's controversial reform package on Tuesday. The debate was opened by Finance Minister, Miroslav Kalousek, who reiterated that the aim of the package was to reduce the deficit in public spending to below 3% GDP. The opposition responded that the reforms were 'against all plain common sense'. If approved, the reforms will have an impact on almost all areas of life. Among the most controversial are the proposed income and corporate tax reforms, and a financial restructuring of the health system, bringing with it the introduction of medical fees.

The opposition is against the package and, with the smallest of majorities, the ruling coalition of the Civic Democrats, the Christian Democrats and the Greens will need the support of every one of its deputies to push the reforms through. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has linked his cabinet's future to the success of the reforms, saying that he will resign if they fail to win approval.

Author: Rosie Johnston