Ukrainian flag demonstratively removed from Czech parliament building
The Ukrainian flag had flown above the entrance to the government building as a symbol of support since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
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Removal of the Ukrainian flag from the Czech parliament building / © Screenshot from video
On Thursday, November 6, the newly elected Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura — leader of the far-right, anti-European and anti-NATO party Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) — marked his appointment by demonstratively removing the Ukrainian flag from the parliament building.
Okamura boasted about the act on social media, posting a video of the moment.
«The Czech Republic comes first. Wish us luck.»
Although he did not remove the flag himself, Okamura was seen holding the ladder.
The Ukrainian flag had flown above the entrance to the government building as a symbol of support since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
«It’s a certain symbol. The Ukrainian flag was taken down from the Czech Parliament building on my orders, and it took only a few seconds, ” he later told Czech outlet iDNES.
The outlet comments that the Israeli flag, raised after the Hamas terrorist attacks in October 2023, continues to fly over the building.
As expected, Okamura was elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, November 5.
He received 107 votes. His opponent, Jan Bartošek of the People’s Party, received 81.
Okamura had secured sufficient support in advance, as representatives of the ANO, SPD, and Motorists parties had committed to his election in a coalition agreement.