Social Democrats reach no deal with churches on property restitution

The Social Democrats on Thursday failed to reach agreement with representatives of Czech churches and religious societies on cuts to a major property restitution deal. Ahead of the elections, the Socials Democrats promised to change the settlement, mainly to lower the financial compensation churches are set to receive as part of the deal. Both sides on Thursday agreed to form an expert team to review the Social Democrats’ proposals.

Under the terms of the controversial property restitution settlement approved by the previous lower house, Czech churches are to get back property confiscated by the Communist regime worth 75 billion crowns, as well as another 60 billion crown as compensation for property that cannot be returned.