Reader Poll: Czechs Oppose Prague Airport Privatization, Back Tougher Airbnb Rules

Readers of a leading Prague news outlet weighed in this week on some of the biggest topics on the Czech agenda — from relations with China and Taiwan to the future of Prague Airport and the regulation of short-term rentals. The polls revealed that most respondents oppose selling a stake in the airport and want stricter oversight of platforms like Airbnb.

On foreign policy, 53% of participants said Czechia should keep supporting Taiwan, even if that strains relations with Beijing, despite signals from China that it's willing to deepen cooperation with Prague. Another 26% favored striking a balance between ties with China and Taiwan, while just 12% backed moving closer to Beijing while maintaining current partnerships.

The Czech government is weighing whether to float 40% of Prague Airport's shares on the stock exchange. Of the 267 readers who voted, 67% opposed the privatization, arguing the airport should remain entirely state-owned. Only 19% saw the move as a way to attract investment for future development.

President Petr Pavel has warned that accusations of bias and political leanings against the courts could erode public trust in the judiciary. Yet 52% of readers disagreed, saying courts and judges should be open to criticism just like any other institution, and that such scrutiny doesn't undermine the rule of law.

One of the few 24-hour mental health helplines in Czechia is at risk of closing. The poll found that 55% of readers had never sought mental health support, while 37% had tried to get help but ran into difficulties specifically as foreigners.

The World Cup final, in which Spain beat Argentina 1:0 after extra time, drew only moderate interest: 46% watched the match at home, another 9% caught it at a bar or outdoors, while 45% admitted football simply isn't their thing.

Readers responded especially strongly to the topic of short-term rental regulation: 87% of the 408 who voted supported giving Prague 1 authorities greater powers to control Airbnb and similar platforms, amid ongoing complaints about noise, unregistered accommodation, and lost tax revenue for the city.

Finally, on the return of the Electronic Registration of Sales (EET) system from 2027, 56% of readers supported the measure, believing it will help ensure businesses pay their fair share of taxes, while 33% see it as an unnecessary bureaucratic burden.

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Source: expats.cz