Coalition Representatives Held Closed-Door Meeting On Austerity Measures

Coalition representatives held a six-hour meeting to discuss measures constituting an austerity package worth CZK70bn yesterday, Seznam Zpravy reports, adding that the negotiation marathon has been only partially concluded.

• The newspaper notes that talks on the most contentious issues, such as raising VAT or the income tax, have been postponed until next week.
• Participation was limited to just fifteen people, party leaders each with two experts, to prevent policy proposals from being leaked.
• Nonetheless, sources told Seznam Zpravy that party representatives proposed cutting subsidies for larger enterprises and reducing bureaucracy.
• "We still have to verify some points at the ministries. These will be painful steps, but CZK70bn in savings for next year need to be found," said one SZ source.