Budget council head calls ČEZ nationalisation an expensive and pointless idea

Nationalising the Czech energy giant ČEZ, as proposed in the draft programme of the emerging coalition of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the Motorists’ Party, is an “expensive and pointless nonsense,” according to Mojmír Hampl, head of the National Budget Council. Speaking on Czech Television, he said the move would not reduce energy prices and makes little sense now that prices have stabilised. Under the plan, ČEZ would buy back its own shares for about 250 billion crowns, without burdening the state budget. Critics, including former finance minister Miroslav Kalousek, warn the state would lose annual dividends worth up to 20 billion crowns. Analysts also say full nationalisation would increase debt, reduce profitability, and deter investment in new nuclear units.