Czech Republic: Anti-government protests across the country May 10

Event

Thousands of protesters gathered across the country on Wednesday, May 10, to demand the resignation of President Milos Zeman and Finance Minister Andrej Babis. According to media reports, between 10,000 and 20,000 people from all ages took part in the demonstration in Prague’s Wenceslas Square. In Brno, around 4000 people took part, along with hundreds others in the cities of Ceske Budejovice, Liberec, Olomouc, Plzen, and Zlin. No major incidents were reported.

Protest leaders announced intentions to continue to hold demonstrations if their demands are not met. Thus, protests can be expected in the coming days and weeks in the capital and other major cities. 

Context

Babis, second-richest man in the country, is accused of corrupt business dealings and tax evasion. Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, of the Social Democrats party (CSSD), has called for Babis to step down. However, Babis continues to be supported by President Zeman, who belong to the same political party as Babis, the centrist ANO party.

The Czech Republic is currently experiencing a political crisis with a government comprised of a three-party coalition. Babis, a divisive figure, is currently at the heart of this crisis, with both protesters calling for his resignation as well as major support from the ANO who are campaigning for him to become the next prime minister following the October, 20, 2017, legislative elections. Prime Minister Sobotka briefly offered his resignation in early May in a bid to reshuffle the government and remove Babis but withdrew his resignation after President Zeman made it clear that Babis would stay in power.

Advice

Individuals in the Czech Republic are advised avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.