The reform bill was approved

The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic approved yesterday by 101 votes out of 200 votes a new financial reform bill that was introduced by the coalition of the Civic Democrats, the Green Party and the Christian Democrats.

The bill changes dramatically the tax system, introduces fees for medical care and abolishes some social benefits. It should lower the deficit of state budget but the opposition criticize the bill strongly. The opposition also claim that they will cancel the reforms as soon as they return to the government.

The approval of the reform bill is a big success for the Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek who was prepared for new governmental elections if the reform didn’t succeed. The reform bill will have to be approved by the Senate and the President now. If it is approved it will be valid at the beginning of 2008.