In a recent financial report, the Czech Republic’s national debt hit a new high last year, with each citizen theoretically owing 285,870 crowns. The state debt rose by 216.1 billion crowns to a record 3.111 trillion crowns. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the debt size, initially publicized at the same level early in January.
The debt-to-GDP ratio, however, fell from 42.7 percent in 2022 to 42.3 percent. The Ministry attributes this to the growth in nominal GDP. The rise in state debt is mainly due to the issuance of new government bonds. The Ministry of Finance used these bonds to finance last year’s budget deficit of 288.5 billion crowns or to refinance maturing bonds.
The state’s total gross borrowing requirement last year was 585.5 billion crowns. This comes as the Czech Republic, similar to many countries worldwide, grapples with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly affected public finances.
Last year, the expenditure on servicing the state debt reached 68.3 billion crowns, an increase of 18.8 billion crowns year-on-year. This indicates how the rising debt affects the country’s financial health and the potential implications for its citizens.
In conclusion, the Czech Republic’s record state debt challenges the economy. However, the decrease in the debt-to-GDP ratio offers a silver lining and shows the resilience of the Czech economy amidst the global crisis.