Politicians divided over Macinka’s tough speech at the UN

Rections to Minister Macinka's UN speeches were mixed back in Czechia. Jan Hrnčíř from SPD partner coalition governing party downplayed the significance of the address. He said the remarks were “words of Mr. Macinka” and suggested the speech had been prepared by the minister himself rather than reflecting an official government position. By contrast, Veronika Kovářová (opposition Pirate Party) welcomed the tone of the speech. She said Macinka’s call on Russia to end the war was “a step in the right direction” and added that if the foreign minister speaks at the UN, she assumes he does so on behalf of the entire cabinet.