Senate President recalls founding of independent Czech state in New Year's speech

In a speech broadcast live on Czech television and radio, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil gave his New Year's Day address to the nation on Sunday afternoon. He began by recalling the founding of the independent Czech state, saying that the 30-year anniversary of the dissolution of Czechoslovakia was not a cause for celebration, but praising the peaceful way in which it transpired and the continuing excellent relations between Czechia and Slovakia.

Mr Vystrčil also spoke about Russia's war in Ukraine, saying it threatened Czechia's security and freedom, and that Czechia should not back down in the face of aggression. He thanked the country's citizens for their solidarity with and support of Ukraine, as well as everyone that helped put out the large-scale forest fire in Bohemian Switzerland in the summer.

He said the Czech Republic was founded on solid democratic principles and called on citizens to go to the presidential elections in January, before concluding by wishing the country a happy 2023 and an early end to the war in Europe.

The President of the Senate is the second highest constitutional office in the Czech Republic after the President.