National Theatre actors announce strike alert over government steps

Unions at the Czech National Theatre have declared a strike alert, saying they are opposed to steps taken by the government and Ministry of Culture, which they say threaten freedom of speech, the media and the arts. The move was announced by actors on stage after a performance at the historic National Theatre building in Prague.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, union representatives demanded the removal of Oto Klempíř as minister of culture. For his part, Mr. Klempíř said actors had the right to express disagreement. He said the government was acting prudently but also supporting the arts through concrete measures and investment.

The government plans to end the license fee system for public broadcasters and bring them under the state budget. This will lead to lower budgets and critics say it may also facilitate political interference. Other steps, such as reducing the budget of state agency the Czech Audiovisual Fund, have also led to tensions between the government and many in the arts community.