Klempíř's speech in Frankfurt interrupted by whistling and…

Klempíř's speech in Frankfurt interrupted by whistling and shouts about StB

07.10.2026 11:02 HotInfo

The speech by Czech Culture Minister Ota Klempíř at the ceremonial opening of the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 6 was interrupted by whistling, booing, and shouts referring to his alleged collaboration with the former State Security (StB). Czechia is this year's main guest country of the fair. reflex.cz ↗

Part of the audience shouted at the minister, "You informed for the StB!" and calls of "Boo! Shame! Ekelhaft!" were also heard. Klempíř, who represents the Motorists party, became the target of a protest during his appearance. The event was also covered by foreign media. reflex.cz ↗

Czech writer Radka Denemarková, by contrast, received significant support. The audience rewarded her appearance with applause, and according to the description of the event, also a standing ovation. Her participation sparked a debate about the relationship between politics and literature at a time when, according to her, Europe faces growing right-wing extremism. Der Standard ↗

After his speech, Klempíř emphasized the success of the Czech presentation at the fair. According to the available account, he did not mention the public remarks that accompanied his appearance in his subsequent assessment. The protest in Frankfurt followed other public clashes between the minister and the audience. forum24.cz ↗

The Frankfurt Book Fair continues under the attention of both the German and Czech public. The Czech participation in the role of main guest country represents a significant cultural presentation of the country, yet it also showed differing reactions to the appearances of the culture minister and writer Radka Denemarková. forum24.cz ↗

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