Klempíř dismisses Baxa from Prague Spring, opposition…

Klempíř dismisses Baxa from Prague Spring, opposition criticizes his approach to media and culture

03.04.2026 18:01 HotInfo

Culture Minister Oto Klempíř of the Motoristé sobě party continues his criticism of the decision by the State Cinematography Fund, which contributed one million crowns to an animated film about the Ukrainian queer community. Klempíř is demanding greater state control over the awarding of film grants and has promised an imminent amendment to the law that should change the system of public funding support for films. ihned.cz ↗

A new development came with his decision to remove his predecessor Martin Baxa from the position of chairman of the board of directors of the international music festival Prague Spring. Klempíř announced this move with the words: "Mr. Martin Baxa has been dealing with me quite a lot lately. So I dealt with him." Baxa had previously criticized Klempíř over his plans concerning public-service media and cultural grants. This decision sparked sharp reactions from the opposition, who describe it as practices reminiscent of the methods of the former regime. Critics point to the authoritarian style of Klempíř's approach and describe it as a display of arrogance and a demonstration of power. irozhlas.cz ↗

Petr Macinka, chairman of the Motoristé sobě party, vigorously defends Minister Klempíř's position and rejects speculation about his possible dismissal. According to Macinka, efforts to have Klempíř removed are an expression of leftist resentment. Macinka also stated that he would not recommend opposition members for the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. idnes.cz ↗

In parallel, politics is also addressing the question of President Petr Pavel's attendance at the summer NATO summit in Ankara. Pavel still expects to attend and wants to meet with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš because of this. However, Macinka stated that he would not recommend an opposition representative for the summit. Meanwhile, the STAN movement is seeking an extraordinary session of the Chamber of Deputies devoted to the issue of public-service media, considering Klempíř incompetent. ihned.cz ↗

Klempíř's plan includes more direct decision-making by the Ministry of Culture on which film projects receive state support. He is also preparing a tightening of the church law so that the ministry would have the ability to remove from church leadership persons who threaten state security. The debate over cultural funding and the degree of state influence on creative freedom continues as one of the main political disputes. zpravy.aktualne.cz ↗

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