Klaus: Austerity steps led Czechs to stagnation that will continue

Prague, March 7 (CTK) - The government's austerity measures have brought the Czech Republic to an unnecessarily deep economic stagnation, outgoing President Vaclav Klaus said in his last television speech Thursday, adding that he expects the Czech economy to stay in recession for some more time.

Anti-crisis measures are necessary, but it is difficult to introduce them in a way to secure a positive effect, Klaus said.

"Austerity measures, which are necessary, but unpopular, are difficult to construct in a way that would make their effect positive. Their consequences, which cannot be but double-edged, have brought our country to what may be an unnecessary deep economic stagnation, which is likely to continue for some more time," Klaus said.

Klaus, whose mandate expires at midnight Thursday, criticised the right-wing government of Petr Necas (Civic Democrats, ODS) during his visit to the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

He said the Necas cabinet failed to use its chance and the strong mandate it gained in the mid-2010 elections.

Defending his government, Necas said it has succeeded in pushing through all goals it wanted to.

Klaus said during his first five years as Czech president (2003-2008), the Czech Republic's economy and living standards continued to grow.

The years 2008-2013, Klaus's second presidential term, brought troubles to the Czech economy in consequence of the economic recession in Europe and the USA, Klaus said.