KSČM holds rally in Prague

The demonstration was directed against the policies of Czech President Petr Pavel, the continuing militarisation of the country, the government's military initiatives and what the KSČM describes as the growing subordination of the Czech Republic to NATO, the European Union and Western political interests. The organisers also criticised the influence of oligarch-controlled media, public-service broadcasting and organisations such as Milion chvilek pro demokracii.

Opposition to militarisation and NATO policy

A central theme of the rally was opposition to the Czech government's military policy, particularly its continued involvement in military support for Ukraine. KSČM chairman Roman Roun criticised President Pavel and condemned the government's ammunition initiative and its alignment with NATO's military policies.

According to the KSČM, the party wants a sovereign and independent Czech Republic and opposes the country's transformation into what it describes as a political and military dependency of Western powers. Roun called for an end to policies that subordinate Czech interests to NATO and the EU.

The protest also reflected the broader political programme adopted by the KSČM, which includes demands for an independent foreign policy, withdrawal from NATO, opposition to the permanent presence of foreign troops in the Czech Republic and greater public control over strategically important sectors of the economy.

Criticism of President Petr Pavel

President Petr Pavel was one of the principal targets of the demonstration. The KSČM accused him of representing interests other than those of the Czech people and criticised his support for increased military expenditure and NATO policies.

MEP Kateřina Konečná strongly criticised the president's priorities. She argued that the government and political establishment placed excessive importance on military spending while neglecting social needs. She contrasted spending on weapons with investment in areas such as healthcare and criticised the political influence of the arms industry.

Konečná also criticised multinational corporations, arguing that foreign capital had turned the Czech Republic into a “cheap assembly plant” while large sums of wealth were transferred abroad.

Media, oligarchs and democracy

Another major theme was the role of the media and political influence exercised by powerful economic interests. The KSČM described the demonstration as a protest against the “privatisation of the state and democracy” and criticised what it considers the influence of oligarchs over public debate.

The party specifically targeted oligarch-controlled media, public-service media and organisations which, in its view, contribute to political polarisation and undermine Czech sovereignty. The official announcement for the demonstration also referred to opposition to the “privatisation of democracy.”

Participants and atmosphere

Speakers included several other figures from the Czech left-wing and patriotic political milieu, including Josef Skála. Cultural figures also participated in the programme.

Participants carried Czech flags and banners criticising the government and President Pavel. Some protesters wore shirts bearing slogans against the president, while petitions against the Czech purchase of F-35 fighter aircraft were also available for signature.

(Photo: iportal24.cz)