Prime Minister Petr Fiala sharply defined himself against the criticism of the Czech Green Deal, which is repeatedly voiced by Andrej Babiš and his ANO movement. “We disagree with Andrej Babiš and the ANO movement about the Green Deal, in the sense that Andrej Babiš approved the Green Deal and did not negotiate anything for the Czech Republic,” Fiala said. The prime minister emphasized that the decision on the Green Deal was made unanimously in the European Council, and according to him, Babiš failed when he did not use the opportunity to negotiate exceptions for the Czech Republic.
Fiala also denied claims that the Green Deal will have a negative impact on fuel prices. “Let’s not scare people, I don’t know if they are the same commentators, but there were commentators who wrote how petrol would cost CZK 100, it would never cost CZK 100. It was nonsense,” stated Fiala. According to him, the current strategic documents do not contain any measures that would lead to a dramatic increase in the price of fuel.
No unnecessary price increases
The prime minister emphasized that his government does not accept a tougher version of the Green Deal than other EU states. “We do not accept any tougher version of the Green Deal, and many of the goals that the Czech Republic has or has negotiated are below the average of the goals that the European Union has,” stated Fiala emphasized that it is important that the Czech Republic does not go beyond the already agreed measures, thereby minimizing possible price increases: “Before I agree to anything on the government, I will want to know the specific impacts, well calculated on the people, and I will make decisions accordingly. I speak for myself and I think that we cannot allow any unnecessary price increases or that we cannot do anything where we go beyond what has already been agreed upon in the past.”
According to him, the key to success is modern technology and innovation. “I don’t think that cars with internal combustion engines should be banned, I think that cars that have lower emissions, less damage to the environment should be offered so that they are affordable for people,” concluded Fiala. According to him, it is important that instead of banning, the market adapts to new requirements and offers consumers attractive and environmentally friendly products.
New plans for Dukovany
Regarding investments in nuclear energy, specifically in the completion of Dukovan, Fiala assured that South Korea is ready to comply with all commitments. “I had another phone conversation with the South Korean president, who, among other things, reassured me that South Korea is ready to abide by those commitments and parameters as they are set,” Fiala stated. He added that the involvement of Czech industry in this project is key and will be beneficial both for the national economy and for achieving energy self-sufficiency. However, financing this huge investment will be a challenge.
“Financing one block would be manageable based on existing decisions or rules. We have to prepare the financing of the two blocks anew, we will do that,” said the Prime Minister. He stated in the studio that the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Industry have the task of coming up with a financing plan by the end of the year that will not burden the state budget more than necessary.
Watch the entire recording of the program I ask, Mr. Prime Minister. What does Fiala say about the end of Biden in the race for the White House and how does he explain his investments?
