Final Word from Tuesday, October 15, 2024

On his way to the lower chamber of Parliament in June of last year to give an address, Pres. Petr Pavel told journalists that the country definitely needs an austerity package. "The question," he said, "is what form it should take and whether the current one is sufficient." In Sept. of last year, he said that the austerity package of the Fiala government should be tougher and that if belts are to be tightened dramatically, politicians should set an example. "I'm a believer in setting a personal example," he said. Yet his first legislative initiative that received wide media coverage was his proposal to give an expense allowance to his wife, have the state pay her social and health taxes, and count her years at the Castle toward her pension. A legitimate argument can be made for granting all of these privileges to the spouse of the president, but if Pavel wants to set a personal example, he should vow to veto the bill unless it stipulates that these changes won't take effect until the next president assumes office. [ Czech Republic House measures savings first lady ]