An anti-government demonstration organized by the non-parliamentary party PRO begins in Wenceslas Square. Five minutes before kick-off, a loud whistle blows and countless Czech flags fly. @Radiozurnal1 @iROZHLAScz @CRoPlus pic.twitter.com/jInO4GIMC0
— Whit Kuban (@KubanTweet1) September 16, 2023
Jindrich Rajchl, leader of the non-parliamentary party PRO (Law, Respect, Professionalism), called for an anti-government demonstration in central Prague on Saturday afternoon. People dissatisfied with the government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) gathered in Wenceslas Square and were to begin a march towards the Interior Ministry. For example, high inflation or upcoming tax changes bother them.
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In his speech, Rajchl, the leader of the PRO party, defined himself against the government, the European Union, the United States or Ukraine. His supporters whistled and waved flags.
Police estimate that thousands will participate in the protest.
The organizers of Saturday’s protest had already held demonstrations in the spring of this year, which they called the Anti-Poverty Demonstration. The current name of the assembly was changed to Demonstration Against Government.
Just above the organized rally is a petition stand, where supporters of Ukraine gather in the afternoon. Protesters’ displeasure was quelled by an anti-conflict committee. Police are monitoring everything.
Four announced performances were to be part of the protest and a subsequent march through Prague. On the stage, Bohumir Dufek, president of the Association of Independent Trade Unions, Ondřej Dostal, lawyer and former medical expert of Pirates, and senator Jana Svirtek Hamblova (for independents) were to accept the call. Party leader Rajsul will speak.
The non-parliamentary political group is calling for increased pressure on the current government, and wants to achieve this by involving trade unions.
May Okamura rest in peace. Rajchl’s support dwindles and half the leadership leaves his PRO
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Organizers of Saturday’s demonstration are providing bus transportation to the rally from Ostrava and interpreting speeches in pin and sign language. Police spokesman John Tanek said police officers are preparing standard security measures for similar events. According to him, the police will supervise public order, traffic situation and possible short-term traffic restrictions during the planned march.
An earlier analysis of the iROZHLAS.cz server showed that the Rajch has not yet been able to turn support on the streets into electoral options. In the summer, four of the five members of the party’s leadership left their posts.
Rajchl, denying that the party should disintegrate under his hands, played down the whole situation by saying that only three members left and outgoing 1st Vice-President Tomáš Nielsen announced his decision a month ago.
“The PRO party will continue to be here and will become stronger and stronger. Even if you break,” he told critics at the time.
Purple: Freedom of expression
Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) also commented on the demonstration. “Everyone has the right to hold their opinions publicly in a democracy,” the prime minister told Czech radio.
However, they will not change their strategic relationship with people who disagree with the current government policy. According to the government, the current one is working. It is based on “concrete steps and results”, as the Prime Minister pointed out. These include, for example, independence from Russian oil products, ensuring energy security and, above all, investing in the military.
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