Czech Parliament will once again review the stabilization package proposed by the government. The lower house may hand down a vote today. Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek is determined to override any changes to the proposed tax bill that could prevent the government from pushing the deficit below 3 percent of GDP. The tax package includes a controversial VAT increase as well as a higher tax proposal for the rich. In an interview with the online server e15, Kalousek said he is convinced the government will be able to push through the package despite the filibuster from the opposing parties before the end of the year, and then the state budget can be approved immediately. If the lower house does not approve the tax hike, a temporary budget will be applied, and the government will step down.
