Czech Government Backs Constitutional Amendment Requiring Three-Fifths Majority for Euro Adoption, Enshrining Crown in Constitution
PRAGUE — The Czech government on Monday endorsed a constitutional amendment that would prevent any future adoption of the euro currency without a three-fifths parliamentary majority, though it was unclear whether the amendment would itself receive the necessary votes. The bill would enshrine the crown as the national currency in the constitution.
Reuters reported that the Czech Republic is one of six EU states still outside the common currency and has no firm date for adoption. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis' populist government, supported by right-wing and far-right parties, has pledged not to take steps towards joining the European Union's single currency zone while in power, a stance adopted by successive governments.
The governing parties alone are short of the three-fifths parliamentary majority needed for constitutional changes, so the amendment would need some opposition support, which is uncertain. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, of the right-wing Motorists party, said joining the euro zone would be a fundamental step for which any government should require a strong mandate.
The Industry Confederation voiced objections to the amendment. It favours adoption of the euro, noting that 65% of Czech exports go to the euro zone. Reuters also noted that Hungary, under new prime minister Peter Magyar, has reversed course and put euro adoption high on its agenda.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于布拉格的捷克国家银行总部（资料图）。照片：Jarita，CC BY 2.0，经维基共享资源。 / The Czech National Bank headquarters in Prague (file photo). Photo: Jarita, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
