Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Thousands of demonstrators gather to protest against the government at the Vencesla’s Square in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
PRAGUE (AP) — Tens of thousands of protesters from the far right and far left joined forces to rally against the country’s pro-Western Czech government in the capital on Saturday.
Police estimated that the crowd at Prague’s central Wenceslas Square numbered around 70,000.
Some of the groups represented at the demonstration included the major anti-migrant populist Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the Communist Party.
The protesters demanded the resignation of the current coalition government led by conservative Prime Minister Petr Fiala, criticizing it for a number of issues, including its Western-oriented policies.
They condemned the government for its support of the sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine and accused it of not being able to tackle soaring energy prices. The demonstrators also criticized NATO, and the European Union and the 27-nation bloc’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach climate neutrality. The country belong to both organizations.
Fiala said everyone has a right to demonstrate, but said those protesting are expressing pro-Russia views “that are not in the interest of the Czech Republic and our citizens.”
The Czech Republic firmly supports Ukraine in its battle against Russia’s invasion and has donated arms, including heavy weapons, to the Ukrainian armed forces.
The government is planning to call an emergency meeting of EU countries next week to seek a united approach to the energy crisis. The Czech Republic currently holds the bloc’s rotating presidency.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-prague-european-union-d47093ce6a14354f22d68383722144a3
The Commies and the Putinazis look very organized in Czechia.
This goes against the tide of public opinion there. It must be organised and funded by putinazi agents, who have many friends in far left and far right movements throughout Europe.
Trade Unions in Britain have long been penetrated by Irish communists: all of whom love putler and are organising damaging strikes in the transport sector.
Bastards should be interned.
The weakness of the West will have a profound effect on democratic institutions if nothing is done to reverse this fragility. Extreme liberalism will only drive more people into the arms of radical groups and undermine our societies’ very fabric. It is essential to find a balance between both spectrums and this as soon as possible. There is much evil in this world and, unfortunately, they are not weak, as we see in China and mafia land. And, many other anti-democratic or pseudo-democratic nations have what we desperately need, as in oil and gas and certain minerals.
Our basic weakness is very visible in the amount of support that Ukraine is getting. For the sake of money and energy, too much emphasis is placed on placating mafia land, the law-breaking and human rights abusing aggressor, instead of assuring its destruction. The loser in this war would not only be Ukraine, but the entire West, without a single exception. As we see clearly in the Czech Republic, it’s not only trash countries that are watching our behavior, but trash organizations within Western countries themselves. They are already hard at work in this country, trying to agitate the people against a pro-Ukrainian government. Many more will do so, and they will certainly act accordingly once mafia land has gained even a symbolic victory. In the question of energy and inflation, both the US and Germany have shown extreme weakness. The US could gear up its oil industry again, helping to alleviate our energy shortage and bring down prices all across the economic board, hence, inflation. Germany could place its cards on nuclear energy, instead of all the other unsuitable measures that it wishes to follow, just to satisfy its political doctrines, ignoring hard facts on the ground. These are just two measures that could help solve many problems in short order. Fighting climate change is good and essential, but it must be done with brains, not through rose-colored sunglasses. This energy and inflation crisis is only food for rat catchers.
Only strength and level-headed foresight will keep our system running. If we present any more weaknesses to our adversaries, it will make the proverbial house of cards collapse.
Wow. This is really surprising. I know several Czechs and never got this impression of the republic. It does sound like Kremlin is at work. We need to have victory quickly.
I was at this protest by accident and I walked in to see what it was about.
Fortunately there were some people supporting Ukraine as well and those that had NATO flags, but maybe 25.
Those standing there assured me the crowd were just some idiots that were angry for various reasons and represented just a small group.
I think support for Ukraine in the Czech Republic is really high: there are Ukrainian flags everywhere and you can buy pro-Ukrainian merch on the streets.
I am not that worried about the Czech Republic after spending a week in Prague.
That’s as I thought too Bert and it seems strange because it looks like all the Czech flags are the same and brand new.
I indeed thought it was weird that there were only Czech flags. No slogans, no Russian flags, nothing. Just Czech flags.
It wouldn’t surprise me if there was someone handing them out.
At least it didn’t seem to be organised very well as the protesters had no clear demands.
I could see the entire crowd, as I visited the National Museum which was in front of the protest.
In front of the museum, were pro-NATO and Ukraine protestors, but you cannot see them as the pictures of the crowd were taken from this spot.
Indeed it was a very strange protest, and I had to ask a bunch of people to find out what it was about.
Initially I thought they were celebrating a victory in sport.
Very strange. I’m glad you were there to confirm the suspicions. You can usually tell if they’re truly “grass roots” or orchestrated and paid for.
Some people will do anything when free flags are being given away.