Government proposes staff reductions, ministers voice concerns over process

During the most recent government session, Tünde Bartha, acting on Andrej Babiš’s initiative, handed ministers a draft resolution to lower employee numbers in ministries and related administrative bodies. Although the document was formally attributed to Babiš, Bartha defended it, citing earlier successes in reallocating policy areas. Ministers objected that they had not received prior notice, with Finance minister Alena Schillerová highlighting the need to clarify which offices would be affected.

Environment minister Igor Červený argued that cuts were already underway, and Education minister Robert Plaga questioned the lack of reduced responsibilities. Industry minister Karel Havlíček pointed out that his ministry had already achieved a reduction and suggested further cuts should target agencies below the ministerial level. The cabinet paused the discussion due to uncertainty over the proposal’s details.