PM Topolanek says government will not fund new National Library building

The Czech Government will not fund the construction of a controversial new National Library building, according to Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek. He said that the new National Library building was not among the government's priorities. They were, said Mr Topolanek, the renovation of the National Museum buildings on Prague's Wenceslas Square as well as the Clementinum, a complex of Baroque buildings currently housing the National Library.

The planned new National Library building, also known as "the blob" is a futuristic structure designed by Czech-born London-based architect Jan Kaplicky. It was originally to be constructed on Prague's Letna Plain, but the plans have been increasingly opposed by some prominent Czech politicians, including President Vaclav Klaus and Prague Mayor Pavel Bem.