Prague wants the state to approve compensation for traders as soon as possible, who cannot sell on the Christmas markets due to the government’s decision on Thursday. At the same time, the municipality is considering forgiving the rental company Taiko, which was supposed to hold markets in the Old Town Square and Republic Square, and will reimburse it for the costs of Christmas decorations, including a large tree. The city could also buy goods from traders, such as perishable food. However, he needs to know the form of state compensation. Representatives of the municipality told the press on Friday.

Ministry of Finance in resignation Alena Schillerová (YES) stated on Czech Television on Friday that all heads of regional hygiene stations agreed to cancel the Christmas markets. “It is not possible to cope with any regime measures,” Schiller said. Uncovered costs, maybe we will expand the criteria there somehow, it’s just a matter that we will prepare very quickly now, “the minister added.

Councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) criticized the cancellation of the markets at the last minute on Friday. According to him, it does not make sense to keep shopping centers open, but the sale of Christmas goods in outdoor stalls was made impossible. For many retailers who sell their products from all year round during the Christmas holidays, this means a major economic threat. “I think it’s the face of flushing into all these little tradesmen,” he said.

Chabr, together with another councilor, Vít Šimral (Pirates) of Prague, called on the government to prepare compensation for sellers and market operators as soon as possible. Chabr added that many traders in smaller markets will now not even have the means to clear the stalls.

According to Šimral, the city needs to know the conditions of a possible state compensatory measure as soon as possible, ideally on the same day, also so that the stallholder can do it himself. “One of the options we are considering is the possibility of buying part of the goods by our contributory organizations, ie mainly schools or nursing homes,” said Šimral. However, without knowing the parameters of the compensation, the city could, by its actions, jeopardize the sellers’ drawing.

Chabr added that in the case of perishable food, the city management will discuss a possible buyout on Monday and will want to involve the city district, which organizes a number of smaller events themselves. He added that he would also consider forgiving the rent for Taiko. Even before yesterday’s decision of the government to completely abolish the markets, in agreement with Taik, the city canceled the accompanying market program on the Old Town Square and the festive lighting of the Christmas tree. Markets did not take place in Prague last year due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The chairman of the board of Taiko Libor Votruba said that the company will charge only 20 percent of the rent to the stallholders with whom it cooperates. According to him, the costs of organizing this year’s markets without goods were about 13 to 14 million crowns. “We feel like a scapegoat for some populist decision that doesn’t really solve anything,” he said. “I think the Christmas markets can be done safely, and we tried to do our best,” added Jan Dell, the company’s CEO.

Taika’s representatives added that the company will start removing the stalls from the Old Town Square probably next week. The markets were to take place there from Saturday, November 27 to January 6, 2022. This year, the company was also to hold markets in Republic Square. Others normally take place on Peace Square, Tyl Square and other places throughout Prague.

Already on Monday, the government approved the renewal of the general so-called compensation bonus for entrepreneurs, which should approve the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday. Compensation should apply to self-employed persons and partners of limited liability companies, who will be able to apply for up to CZK 1,000 per day. The contribution to workers for an agreement on the performance of work or an agreement on work activities will amount to CZK 500 per day. The support is aimed at companies and entrepreneurs, which fell by 30 percent or more in the decisive period. If approved in advance, the financial administration will pay the bonus back from November 22.