Budget council head calls ČEZ nationalisation an expensive and pointless idea

Nationalising the energy giant ČEZ, proposed by the emerging coalition of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the Motorists’ Party, is an “expensive and pointless nonsense,” said Mojmír Hampl, head of the National Budget Council. He warned it would not lower energy prices and would cost the state up to 20 billion crowns in lost dividends. ANO deputy leader Karel Havlíček defended the plan, saying tighter energy regulation requires new ownership structures. The proposal foresees ČEZ buying back its own shares for about 250 billion crowns without burdening the state budget. Critics warn it could raise debt and hinder nuclear investment.