Culture minister Klempíř defends controversial changes to arts funding

Culture Minister Oto Klempíř (Motorists) has defended proposed changes to the Czech arts grant system, insisting stricter rules are needed to prevent conflicts of interest.  He told a parliamentary committee that people involved in projects receiving public funding should not serve on panels allocating grants. Former culture minister Martin Baxa (Civic Democratic Party) criticised the changes, warning they could encourage self-censorship. Several grant committee members have resigned in protest, while professional associations have warned that the reforms could threaten artistic freedom. Klempíř insists the changes are necessary to ensure transparent and impartial distribution of public money.