Expose to the 2001 state budget discussion in the Czech parliament

Finance Minister Pavel Mertlik outlined the principles of 2001 state budget . First he analysed the macroeconomic conditions that influence the state b udget - expected inflation rate, GDP growth the rate of unemployment. Furth er affecting the state budget arithmetic are the exchange rate of the Czech koruna and the price of oil. New budgetary rules approved during 2000 impa rt a new framework for state budget preparation. The minister stressed that the 2001 state budget addresses the government's top priorities: education , EU accession, and a proactive employment policy. Restricting expenditures was cited as another priority. Furthermore, he explained the government's approach to using privatization revenues from the sale of UTMS licenses in 2001.