Tens of thousands of Czechs demonstrate against the government, the European Union and NATO | Abroad

Both far-right and collectivist political groups, including the Communist Party, believe that the Czech Republic is better off as a militarily neutral country and should be able to deal with oil and gas suppliers, including Russia.

Police estimated that about 70,000 people gathered in Wenceslas Square in the center of the capital during the afternoon. Which made it the biggest demonstration of the sharp rise in the cost of living in thirty years.

Inflation in the Czech Republic is currently the highest since 1993, mainly due to housing costs and energy prices. Even the central bank expects to peak at 20 percent in the coming months. The government has pledged 177 billion kronor (7.2 billion euros) in state aid. This will allow, among other things, to increase pensions and salaries for civil servants. A large portion of the money is earmarked for energy subsidies.

Prime Minister Peter Fiala, who survived Friday’s vote of no confidence, told CTK news agency that activists did not want the best for the country. “The call to protest in Wenceslas Square came from pro-Russian forces, outraged against extremist views and against the interests of the Czech Republic.”