President Pavel describes draft state budget as a “semi-finished product”

President Petr Pavel described the draft state budget for 2026, recently published by the Ministry of Finance, as a “semi-finished product.” Speaking to reporters before departing for the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, he noted that the proposal is still subject to negotiations and should only be assessed once it is in a more final form.

The Ministry of Finance has put forward a budget with a planned deficit of CZK 286 billion. For comparison, the deficit planned for 2025 is CZK 241 billion, while last year’s shortfall was CZK 271.4 billion. The draft includes a returnable loan of CZK 18.3 billion for the construction of new nuclear units in Dukovany and defense spending above two percent of GDP, amounting to CZK 30.7 billion. Excluding these items, the deficit would stand at CZK 237 billion.

“So far, I see it as a semi-finished product, because negotiations are still underway, and it will only be presented to the government on 24 September,” Pavel said. He added that it would only be meaningful to comment on the budget once it is finalized and submitted for government discussion, which must take place by the end of the month.

Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (ODS) described the draft as a budget focused on security and energy independence. He highlighted that it maintains social stability, slightly increases funding for science and research, and includes record levels of national investment, while also ensuring a reduction in the structural deficit and compliance with legal requirements.

Source: CTK