The ruling coalition has agreed on a package of regulated price rises, tax increases and spending cuts that now go to parliament for approval. The government says the measures will save the state budget Sk25 billion ($550 million) next year.
The cabinet has agreed to cap social benefits to families at Sk10,400 ($240) a month, less than the sum of two minimum wages, as well as to cut jobless benefits to the long-term unemployed.
The government has also scrapped plans to buy 100 million crowns ($2.3 million) worth of new cars to restock a government fleet that was last renewed in 1996.
After taking criticism of loose fiscal policy in 2002, that could see the public finances deficit shoot over 6 per cent of GDP, the new cabinet has pledged to reign in that figure to 5 per cent of GDP next year.
Compiled by Tom Nicholson from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
