Czechs' support to gov't measures to improve finances halves

Prague,Oct 22 (CTK) - The number of Czechs who support the government measures to improve the public finances has almost halved since the team of Prime Minister Petr Necas (Civic Democrats, ODS) assumed power in mid-2010, according to a STEM public opinion poll released Monday.

The 38 percent support in 2010 has dropped to 24 percent, the poll showed.

A mere one fifth of the polled said the government measures are unequivocally correct, in the poll conducted from September 24 to October 2.

Nevertheless, a majority of people still believe that fundamental changes in the welfare, healthcare and tax spheres must be carried out in the next three to five years.

Last year, reforms were considered unnecessary by 72 percent of Czechs compared with 68 percent now.

The government's measures to improve the state finances are supported mainly by the ODS and the junior government TOP 09 while supporters of the opposition are clearly against them.

However, a majority of opposition supporters agree with that the reforms are necessary.

The level of disagreement with raising taxes is about the same across the political parties.

The poll was conducted on 1061 people over 18.