Social Watch says 2012 brought a drop in the living standard of most Czechs

In its annual report on the Czech Republic Social Watch criticizes what it calls the excessive austerity measures introduced by the former centre-right cabinet which it says led to job uncertainty and a deteriorating standard of living for the majority of Czechs. Social Watch says that people’s growing frustration with the situation has led to political apathy and has fuelled anti-Roma sentiments. The report also criticizes the lack of women in politics and rampant corruption.