Satisfaction with the political situation in the Czech Republic has plummeted to a mere 21% in September, a stark decline from the approximately one-third of the population expressing contentment in both February and April. These findings emerge from a recent survey conducted by Kantar CZ and unveiled by Czech Television.

The survey further underscores growing economic apprehensions among Czech citizens. A significant 53% of respondents believe that their economic circumstances will remain stagnant over the next year, while a worrying 35% anticipate a deterioration. These concerns are primarily driven by surging inflation and the rising cost of living, encompassing housing and energy expenses.

Kantar analyst Nikola Kopacova highlights a divergence in expectations, noting that individuals under 44 and those with higher education levels are more optimistic about an economic upturn, while seniors and the economically inactive express greater apprehension about worsening conditions.

Furthermore, the survey reveals the tangible impact of the energy crisis on households, with 34% of respondents reporting significant reductions in their electricity and gas consumption. An additional 37% curtailed their energy usage to some extent. Only 13% initially reduced their energy consumption, while 16% made no reductions at all. Notably, these restrictions have disproportionately affected the elderly and residents of small towns and villages.

Critics have voiced concerns that heating costs may also surge due to a proposal by the Industry and Trade Ministry to cancel last year’s decision to allocate CZK 17 billion for the modernization of heating plants, citing budget constraints. The government is set to make a decision on this proposal in the coming days.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartos (Pirates) has argued that the government has already allocated CZK 112 billion this year in response to soaring energy prices and suggests that these funds could be utilized for the modernization fund in the following year.

The survey, conducted among approximately 1,200 respondents from September 11th to September 29th, paints a sobering picture of the economic and political sentiment in the Czech Republic. Addressing the concerns raised by citizens regarding the cost of living and energy expenses is likely to become a key policy focus for the government in the near future.

Article by Prague Forum