The Czech Republic’s state bodies are to undergo a comprehensive audit of their property holdings, with the aim of transferring those that are not needed to local or regional authorities. Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura stated that the general inventory would reveal the properties that are not essential to the state’s operations and could be given to local authorities, thereby potentially freeing up resources and speeding up investment projects.

It is estimated that more than 500 state bodies own approximately 1.5 million immovable assets. While it is not yet known which of these properties are required by the state, a transfer of those not needed to local authorities could result in cost savings for the state, as well as more rapid progress in investment projects such as cycling routes or public housing construction. The state has been trying to carry out an audit of its property holdings since 2015, and the head of the Office for Government Representation in Property Affairs (UZSVM), Katerina Arajmu, confirmed that by the end of February, state institutions would receive a list of their registered properties and should have explained by August whether they actually require them.

Frantisek Lukl, head of the Association of Towns and Municipalities, welcomed the partnership approach, noting that the majority of investment projects concern state property and that a more collaborative effort would speed up the process. He mentioned that these projects typically include sewage systems, cycle routes, and roads that cross the land of multiple owners. With the new audit, state institutions can now be held accountable for their property holdings, and the transfer of assets not required to local authorities will increase their ability to undertake investment projects more quickly and efficiently.

Article by Prague Forum