Speaking about some of the results, Babis highlighted surplus budgets as well as reducing government debt and economic growth. “We have a very good budget that dramatically increases pensions and salaries. Last but not least, we have the lowest unemployment rate in Europe and we are the sixth or seventh safest country in the world,“ the PM said in a TV interview.
According to Babis, the Czech government will focus primarily on expanding electronic cash registers (better known as EET) and lowering VAT on selected services. Other major changes are expected in the area of construction law. “If that happens, it will be incredible. Today we need about 20 to 150 stamps before building permission. After recodification, there will be one office, one decision within 60 days,” the PM said about the government’s flagship measure.
The Czech PM also confirmed that he will seek re-election as chairman of ANO at the national party congress in February, adding that he fully backs ANO deputy chairman Jaroslav Faltynek as the second most important member of the movement which Babis founded in 2011.
Also, Babis did not rule out a reshuffle of his cabinet of ANO and the Social Democrats (CSSD), while Vojtech Filip, whose Communists (KSCM) keep the minority cabinet afloat, branded the performance of the foreign and transport ministers dissatisfactory. PM´s dissatisfaction with Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek has long been known, however, Babis refused to comment on the situation of ministers from other parties.
