Czech lawmakers passed an amendment Wednesday ordering large shops to sell mostly Czech food as of next year, despite an expected backlash from partners in the European Union. Under the measure, Czech food will have to account for at least 55 percent of sales in shops with a surface area of more than 400 sqm. The share is to gradually grow to at least 73 percent by 2028 under the amendment proposed by the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD). The quota only applies to foodstuff that can be produced in the Czech Republic.
The measure is controversial to the EU’s single market rules allow for the free circulation of goods and services across its 27-members. Czech President Milos Zeman is nonetheless expected to sign the measure. It was backed by the governing coalition parties and Communist MPs who back the minority centre-left cabinet, with 66 votes in favour and 29 against.
Source: AFP
