Czech Premier Chides Central Bank Rates for Hindering Lending

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis took a swipe at the central bank’s monetary policy, saying current interest rates hinder lending activity despite low inflation.

The Czech National Bank, led by Governor Ales Michl, has held the key rate at 3.5% since May last year. Policymakers have repeatedly pointed at persistent risks in elevated services inflation, as well as rapidly growing property prices and wages, among reasons preventing easing.