Politicians criticise Zeman over planned 1968 anniversary silence

A number of Czech politicians have criticised President Miloš Zeman’s decision not to speak in public in connection with Tuesday’s 50th anniversary of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact states. TOP 09 chairman Jiří Pospíšil said Mr. Zeman was neglecting his constitutional duties in not taking part in events marking such a momentous anniversary for the country.

Pirates’ leader Ivan Bartoš said he was not surprised by the president’s “sad” announcement in view of his worldview. The Civic Democrats’ Petr Fiala said it said a lot about Mr. Zeman himself.

The president’s spokesman said the head of state had been brave in 1968 itself and that was worth more than a thousand speeches five decades later.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and the chairs of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies will speak at a ceremony marking the anniversary at Czech Radio on Tuesday.

Author: Ian Willoughby