A planned discussion between Czech Culture Minister Oto Klempíř and artists critical of his appointment failed to materialize Monday at Prague’s Divadlo Palace, deepening a rift between the minister and the Czech art community. Klempíř left an empty chair reserved for him at the event, a symbolic gesture signaling a breakdown in potential dialogue.
The incident follows a recent demonstration in Prague attended by an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 people, where actor Hynek Čermák publicly criticized Klempíř’s selection, linking him to the policies of Motoristé (Motorists) party leaders Filip Turek and Petr Macinka. Čermák questioned Klempíř’s expertise and capacity for self-reflection, according to reports from Novinky.
Klempíř, a former StB (State Security) informant before the Velvet Revolution, has faced scrutiny since his appointment. In October, a petition signed by artists, cultural workers, students, and teachers voiced concerns over entrusting the ministry to a member of Motoristé, a party viewed with skepticism within cultural circles. Despite this, Klempíř had initially suggested a willingness to engage with critics.
However, the minister’s actions have increasingly diverged from initial promises of a “free and strong culture with stable funding,” as outlined in the Motoristé party platform. The recently approved state budget includes cuts to the Culture Ministry, and public broadcasters are protesting a proposed government plan to abolish television and radio license fees, a move that could jeopardize their independence.
According to reports from Denik.cz, Motoristé party chairman Filip Turek has suggested that Petr Macinka would be a “great” Minister of the Environment, and that Oto Klempíř is a “perfect” candidate for Minister of Culture. Turek himself has been discussed as a potential candidate for Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Klempíř’s refusal to participate in the planned discussion, described as “cowardly” by some observers, has been compounded by a lack of transparency regarding proposed changes to public media funding. While the minister reportedly has four potential funding models under consideration, and a cross-departmental commission is working on further options, the process has been conducted in secrecy. Instead, Klempíř has focused on publicizing a meeting with Slovak Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, a figure known for her conservative stance on cultural issues.
The leadership of Motoristé has turn into a frequent target of online satire, with their perceived self-importance drawing criticism. The party’s leaders now appear poised to pursue their agenda more assertively, despite growing opposition.