The Czech government approved a constitutional amendment proposal on Monday that would enshrine the Czech koruna as the country’s official currency. The motion would also guarantee a constitutional right to use cash. Two smaller coalition parties submitted it.
The proposal would not permanently rule out euro adoption. It would, however, make that decision subject to stricter conditions. Passing it requires a three-fifths majority, and the governing coalition holds 108 of the 200 seats in the lower house, short of the 120 votes needed.
Government signals priorities
Finance Minister Alena Schillerová called the move a strong political gesture. She said the government treats preserving the national currency as a priority. Petr Macinka, foreign minister and chairman of the Motorists Party, said a step of such magnitude could only be taken with the support of the vast majority of society.
Andrej Babiš said in May this year that his government did not plan to introduce the euro. Czechia committed to adopting the euro on EU accession, based on a 2003 referendum. It does not currently meet the exchange-rate stability criterion.
Opposition votes decisive
The Civic Democratic Party, which opposes the common currency, had not yet responded to the proposal. Its support or refusal will determine whether the amendment passes parliament.
Without opposition backing, the amendment cannot take effect.
Source: Czech government
