Supporters of the country’s far-left and far-right groups have protested against the Western-backed Czech Republic government over alleged failure to control fuel prices.
Voice of America reported this information.
The massive demonstration took place in Wenceslas Square on Saturday, a day after the government was toppled in a no-confidence vote amid accusations by the opposition that the government was ineffective in tackling inflation and rising energy prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to police, around 70,000 protesters participated in the demonstration in the capital, Prague.
Jiri Havel, one of the organizers of the protest, said, “We are protesting for change.” Basically the issue of gas and electricity prices is the key, it will destroy our economy this autumn.”
This week, Russia’s state-owned gas company Gazprom announced an indefinite shutdown of gas supplies to Europe. Therefore, the price of fuel in Europe is likely to increase several times in the coming winter. And governments will have to spend billions of dollars extra to keep fuel prices within reach of citizens. Due to this, anger is increasing among the people in different countries of Europe.
Prime Minister Peter Fayala claimed that the protesters were protesting against the interests of the country. “Those who called the Wenceslas Square protests are pro-Russian, close to extremists and are against the interests of the Czech Republic,” he said.
Western ally Czech Republic has sharply criticized Russia for its military offensive in Ukraine. The country has helped Ukraine’s forces with military equipment, including heavy weapons. And in keeping with the allies have imposed various sanctions on Russia.
Protesters criticized the decision to support Ukraine. It has also criticized NATO and the European Union for failing to control greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. The Czech Republic is a member of both organizations.
The Czech Republic is planning an emergency meeting with the European Union countries next week to resolve the energy crisis in Europe.
(September 4)