The Czech national budget is currently carrying a CZK 75.6bn surplus, the biggest it’s ever been. The cause, according to Hospodářské noviny, is economic growth, improved tax collection and a more efficient use of European subsidies. In addition, the state‘s expenses for the first seven months of the year fell from CZK 705bn in 2015 to CZK 687bn. Finance minister Antonin Babiš says the state collected CZK 35bn more than last year because of the improving economy and because of improved operations at the financial authorities. There’s no guarantee, however, the positive figures for 2016 will continue. Last year at this time, the surplus was CZK 25bn but the year ended with the state running a deficit of CZK 63bn.
