Pesident Pavel backs Brno festival hosting Sudeten German gathering

Czech President Petr Pavel has granted patronage to the Meeting Brno festival, which this year will host the convention of the Sudeten German association for the first time in Czechia. The presidential office said the backing applies to the festival as a whole, supporting dialogue about history rather than endorsing every interpretation of it. The event promotes reconciliation and open discussion, it said. The gathering remains politically controversial. The lower house recently called for its cancellation, while Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said no government representative would attend. Bavarian premier Markus Söder is expected to visit both Brno and Prague.