PM Babiš rejects Russian ambassador’s claim that Czech government softened anti-Russian rhetoric

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) on Saturday rejected Russian Ambassador to Prague Anna Ponomaryova’s claim that the Czech government had softened its anti-Russian rhetoric. Speaking at an election campaign event in the Přerov region, he told CTK that this was definitely not the case.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists), however, agreed with the ambassador’s assessment. He told CTK that the current government was no longer engaging in what he described as the hysterical rhetoric of the previous cabinet, which he said had brought no benefit.

Ponomaryova said in an interview with Russian news agency RIA Novosti that Russia had noticed that the Czech government had toned down its anti-Russian rhetoric.

The Czech opposition has responded to the ambassador’s statement with concern.

Mayors and Independents leader Vít Rakušan said it was important for the government not to play down  the risks posed by Russia. Former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský of the Civic Democratic Party described the ambassador’s assessment of Czechia’s foreign policy as “a disgrace” for the country.