All Czech ministries to cut costs - Deputy Prime Minister Peake

A major reduction may be implemented in the Culture Ministry, while the Local Development Ministry may be closed in the future, Peake said.

Out of the 265 reporting organisations, the economies should not affect only 117 of them, while a closure, merger or rationalisation of their activity is being presumed, she added.

She said a coalition government meeting and a debate by ministers in charge of economic affairs were expected.

Peake said she presumed the offices would defend themselves against the changes.

"I have discussed the report with Prime Minister Petr Necas. He said he considered it very well prepared," Peake said.

"He, too, expects the opposition of individual offices," she added.

"The closure of ministries is not the most important affair. The reduction of their agenda is most important," Peake said.

In the case of the Culture Ministry, 60 percent of its staff ensure its operation, while only 40 percent professional activity, Peake said.

As a result, a part of the agenda can be transferred to the Education Ministry, she added.

The Local Development Ministry can be closed after the Czech Republic stops drawing EU subsidies, Peake said.

The agenda relating to public procurement and zoning and planning offices can be moved elsewhere, she added.

Peake stressed there were different salaries in individual ministries and duplication of some activities.

The government assigned Peake to propose cuts in the civil service in early June.

Under the plan, almost 12 billion crowns are to be saved in 2014 and perhaps 25 billion crowns one year later.

However, the ministries themselves have only proposed economies worth 1.6 billion crowns, Peake said.

($1=18.961 crowns)

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz