Czech Republic: huge protests against NATO, EU and Ukraine
About 70,000 people according to police data protested against NATO and the sanctions imposed on Russia, but also called for the resignation of the Czech conservative government, accusing it of submission to the European Union. The protesters were called to the streets by opposition parties and other organizations, with the demand for neutrality in the war in Ukraine, where the Prague executive has instead adopted a position of full political and military support in Kiev. In the very central Wenceslas Square, representatives of communist, Eurocontrar and nationalist extra-parliamentary groups intervened. The demonstrators, gathered under the slogan "Czech Republic First", also protested against NATO, of which the country is a member, and called for an end to the sanctions imposed by the EU on Moscow for its aggression against Ukraine; and urged supplies of cheap gas from Russia, protesting against high energy prices. Flags of the Russian Federation and the Donbass Republics were also clearly visible in the demonstration.
The Czech Republic holds the rotating presidency of the EU and the next summit of European leaders will be held in Prague on 6-7 October. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, accused by demonstrators, harshly attacked the demonstration calling it pro-Russian and part of a disinformation campaign: the march, added the conservative leader, was organized by forces of pro-Russian orientation. Inflation in the Czech Republic has undergone a sharp surge mainly driven by the increase in rental costs and energy prices. Currently the highest since 1993 and the central bank expects a peak of around 20% in the coming months.
I wonder if it is correct to de-list 70,000 citizens in the square protesting to mere pro-Russian disinformation. Doing this could be a pretty easy way to find an alibi and not face legitimate protest.
References:
https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/04/70000-czechs-take-to-the-streets-against-government-eu-and-nato
