Maláčová proposes the expropriation of hostels for the poor after the cancellation of zones without supplements

Jana Maláčová (source: romea.cz)

Prague – Minister of Labor Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) proposes expropriating private accommodations for the poor, who pay for this housing with state benefits, as a quick solution following the abolition of so-called "non-supplement zones." She stated this to journalists today. This was in response to today’s decision by the Constitutional Court, which annulled part of the law on assistance in material need. According to the disputed paragraphs, municipalities could establish zones where new applicants did not receive housing supplements, which led to shifts to other areas. According to experts on social issues, the situation would be addressed by social housing.

"I am convinced that the quick, correct, and systemic solution to today’s decision is the possibility for the state to expropriate a property for compensation. A property where multiple people living in it receive housing benefits. I really believe this is a systematic measure," the minister stated. According to her, there are currently one hundred non-supplement zones in the Czech Republic. In those zones, there are 81 accommodations, with 34 in the Moravian-Silesian region and 14 in the Ústí region, Maláčová detailed. She believes that "the common enemy is dishonest owners of accommodations," who congregate people in distress in one location. "The possibility of expropriation essentially equates to ending the trade in poverty," the head of the labor ministry is convinced. She assured cities with non-supplement zones that her office would seek solutions for them. She mentioned Kladno, Děčín, Kadaň, Sokolov, Český Krumlov, and Karviná.

A group of senators turned to the Constitutional Court regarding non-supplement zones in 2017. Social issue experts criticized the possibility of establishing areas without benefit payments. They welcome the judges' decision. They consider the main problem in the Czech Republic to be the inaccessibility of housing and the absence of social housing. The law on social housing was promised by Babiš's government in its program. Shortly after taking office, they abandoned that promise. Instead, they planned 15 measures. According to Maláčová, the preparation and enactment of these measures have not progressed. "Unfortunately, my colleagues from ANO did not see it as their priority," the minister said. She stated that the problem must be addressed by the Prime Minister and the government, and the approach must be coordinated. She mentioned the lack of price maps or hygiene standards for apartments, rental regulation, weak enforcement of the law in addressing offenses, and education. "The main reason, the alpha and omega, is the inaccessibility of housing. This means the inactivity of the Ministry of Regional Development," the minister added. The Ministry of Regional Development is led by the ANO movement.