Prague wants to save seven million crowns, mainly for transport and rentals
Representatives of the United Forces for Prague (TOP 09 and STAN) are against the cuts in investments, said MEP and Chairman of the United Forces Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) in the debate. The city management expects a fall of 12 to 15 billion crowns due to measures against the covid-19 pandemic.
“Now, on Monday, the press is coming to the board, which should actually make budget adjustments and savings in the amount of 614 million crowns. This is primarily an area of transport and property, where current expenses will be saved, ”said Hřib. For example, the city would not have to rent so many buildings for officials.
According to Hřiba, the management of Prague will not talk about investments until September. The possible cuts were rejected by the MEP and the chairman of the representatives of the United Forces Pospíšil. “We will support all proposals for investigations, the only ones we do not want to save are investments. It is not possible for us to tie up the city’s investment, especially in the areas of transport infrastructure and education. If we stopped the investment, it would lead to another economic recession, “said Pospíšil.
The mayor in the discussion also criticized the government’s action. According to Hřiba, it is necessary that not only municipalities but also regions receive money. Municipalities will receive 1250 crowns per capita from the government. Prague therefore proposed a legislative amendment to give the regions 500 crowns per capita. “We need the regional government to support it,” Hrib said.
Already in the tunnel, the municipality forgives entrepreneurs rent for restaurant front gardens, hoteliers pay a residence fee and merchants can use the occupation of public space for the display of goods free of charge. Entrepreneurs also postponed rent payments to the city or waived penalties for late payment. Prague has also introduced its COVID Prague program and invested 600 million crowns in it, which serves as a guarantee for loans to entrepreneurs.