The Ombudsman wrote to Babiš regarding the Green Savings, wants to preserve it

Brno - Ombudsman Stanislav Křeček wrote to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) regarding the subsidy program New Green Savings (NZÚ). The Ombudsman urged the preservation of the program, noting that for some households it represents the only way to achieve decent housing. The office of the ombudsman informed about this today on the website. The current government will seek funds for the New Green Savings program, which supported energy-efficient renovations of homes. Chairman of Motorists Petr Macinka, who is still leading the Ministry of the Environment, had already announced earlier adjustments to the program due to lack of funds.

"I have noted the concerns of citizens regarding the future of the New Green Savings program. Plans for its significant limitation or abolition raise fears, especially among seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. I therefore appeal to the government to consider preserving the subsidy, thus supporting citizens' chances of affordable and dignified housing," Křeček stated.

In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, he summarized the main reasons for preserving the program and warned against hasty actions. "Limiting an until now stable and long-functioning subsidy program is, in my opinion, an absolutely unpredictable step that should have been announced well in advance. It will negatively impact the fates of many households. For the most vulnerable among them, it could even mean a fall into poverty," Křeček added.

The Ministry of the Environment's programs for renovating and insulating buildings have been functioning in the Czech Republic since 2009. The conditions for obtaining support have changed, but the basic parameters have remained similar. Subsidies were provided for home insulation, window and door replacements, or non-ecological heating sources. The support was financed from the sale of emission allowances.

Acting Minister of the Environment Macinka stated at the end of January that the previous government overestimated the income from emission allowances to the State Environmental Fund at 12 billion crowns. The current government is working with a budget of 5.5 billion. Former Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) then said that the figure of 12 billion was based on the official prediction of the ministry and the prices of allowances had been rising. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) had previously stated that the government would look for money to finance the New Green Savings program.