Public donate over CZK 4.5 million for November 17 celebrations in Prague

People have donated more than CZK 4.5 million to this year’s November 17 commemorations on Národní třída in Prague. The South Bohemian Region has pledged a further CZK 300,000, which is not included in the public fundraising total.

Donations stated pouring in after the Culture Ministry refused to provide funding to the Díky, že můžem association for the traditional celebrations of the Velvet Revolution on Prague’s Národní třída. Culture Minister Oto Klempíř told journalists that the organisers did not meet the conditions for receiving a grant this year. The association had applied for CZK 1 million.

The organisers have expressed disappointment with the ministry’s approach, but said that the planned program will go ahead in full this year. This year’s budget for the Korzo Národní event is around CZK 5.5 million.