Czech Minister of Culture Klempíř booed at Frankfurt Book Fair opening

An address by the Czech arts minister, Ota Klempíř, at Tuesday’s opening of the Frankfurt Book Fair – where Czechia is this year guest of honour – was interrupted by shouts of criticism, booing and whistling. The Czech writer Radka Denemarková also spoke, saying that ministers of culture who destroy culture and literature come and go, but the arts and literature endure.

Mr. Klempíř has cut funding for some arts organisations since coming to office a year ago this month.

Over 70 Czech writers are representing the country at the Frankfurt Book Fair, which is considered one of the most important events of its kind in the world.