Finance Ministry unveils plans to privatise Budvar Brewery, Czech Airlines and CEZ

The Ministry of Finance is preparing the privatisation of Ceske Aerolinie, the national airline, Prague Airport, Budejovicky Budvar brewery and part of the postal service. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Fuksa outlined the government's privatisation plans in an interview with Mlada Fronta Dnes on Monday. According to Mr. Fuksa, the sale of Czech energy giant CEZ is also being discussed. This year, the government is selling off 7% of CEZ to pay for the upkeep and expansion of the national motorway network.

Mr. Fuksa told Mlada Fronta that teams had been formed within the Ministry to work on the privatisation deals. He said that brands such as Budejovicky Budvar beer would only be sold to those willing to maintain the product's integrity. The sale of the Budvar brewery has, however, sparked criticism. In a television debate on Sunday, deputy prime-minister Jiri Cunek spoke out against the plans, saying that it made little sense to sell off a company that made the government billions of crowns every year.