Okamura calls for ending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees

Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD) leader Tomio Okamura said during a televised debate that he would immediately end temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled Russia’s invasion if it were up to him, arguing that too many refugees are living in Czechia. Civic Democratic Party (ODS) chairman Martin Kupka condemned the remarks as “outrageous” and said they justified critics who describe Okamura as a “commercial fascist.” Kupka argued that around 400,000 Ukrainian refugees help fill labor shortages in sectors such as construction, healthcare and social services, while also helping Czechia qualify for an exemption from parts of the EU migration pact. Nearly 398,000 Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status in the country.