Prague
Tens of thousands demonstrate against the Czech government
Thousands of protesters gathered on Wenceslas Square in Prague on Saturday. photo
© Petr David Josek/AP/dpa
Around 70,000 people are demonstrating in the Czech capital – and are demanding, among other things, an end to the EU sanctions policy against Russia. The Prime Minister points to the influence of Russian propaganda.
According to police reports, around 70,000 people demonstrated on Saturday on Wenceslas Square in Prague against the policies of the Czech government.
Several organizations critical of the government, citizens’ initiatives and some extra-parliamentary opposition parties had called for the protest rally under the slogan “The Czech Republic first”, as reported by the CTK news agency.
End of EU sanctions policy against Russia demanded
Participants waved Czech flags and carried banners denouncing high energy prices and calling for the government’s resignation. They also demanded an end to the EU’s sanctions policy against Russia because it is damaging to the Czech economy and population.
The liberal-conservative Prime Minister Petr Fiala accused the organizers of the demonstration of a “pro-Russian orientation” that harms the interests of the Czech Republic. The CTK quoted him as saying: “It is clear that the Russian propaganda and disinformation campaign shows up again and again in our country and someone falls for it.”