PRAGUE: Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Prague on Sunday to protest against the Czech government, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
The protesters criticized the government’s handling of the economy, blaming it for rising prices of groceries and energy, as inflation in the European Union (EU) and NATO member state of 10.5 million people reached 15 percent in March.
Chanting “resign” and “shame,” the protesters waved banners calling on the Czech government to leave NATO and urging peace in Ukraine.
Fiala’s government has supplied Ukraine with substantial humanitarian and military aid since Russia invaded it in February 2022.
However, protesters accused the government of paying too much attention to the Ukraine conflict and ignoring their economic woes.
Czech protesters denounce ministers’ performance
“The current ministers are not good, and they are unable to handle the economic situation in this country,” said Prague protester Ludek Sic.
“The Czech government should be replaced with real experts.”
Renata Urbanova, who came to Wenceslas Square in Prague from the southern city of Pisek, said the government was “full of warmongers.”
“Another thing is that they are creating economic sufferings for us; energy is too expensive, and so is food,” she added.
The protest, the “Czechia Against Poverty” rally, was organized by the small non-parliamentary PRO party. Protesters slammed Fiala’s cabinet for soaring public deficits and poor communication with voters.
The Czech government has yet to respond to the protesters’ demands. However, the protest highlights growing public dissatisfaction with Fiala’s government and its handling of the economy.
It remains to be seen if the government will take action to address the protesters’ concerns.
