FM Macinka says envoy should not judge Okamura’s remarks

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka of the Motorists' party said it was inappropriate for a foreign ambassador to publicly assess statements by a top Czech constitutional official. He was responding to criticism by Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Zvaryč, who condemned comments made by Chamber speaker Tomio Okamura of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party. Zvaryč called Okamura’s New Year remarks about Ukraine and its leadership undignified and unacceptable. Okamura reiterated his opposition to sending weapons to Ukraine, using inflammatory language about President Volodymyr Zelensky. Opposition parties now want a parliamentary vote on Okamura’s removal.