As Czech voters head to the polls this weekend, economists are reminding politicians that the real issue is public finances. Their message: cut the burden on work, shift taxation to consumption and property, and invest in people and institutions. Chronic deficits and “destigmatizing” tax hikesThe Czech budget has been running persistent deficits, and a group of leading economists has published a 200-page blueprint called Smarter Taxes. Petr Janský | Photo: Kateřina Cibulka, Czech RadioPetr Janský from the Center for Public Finance at Charles University argues that raising revenues does not have to mean higher rates:“It is possible to increase tax revenues. Czechia’s tax system is overdue for systemic reform.