Karel Havlíček, the first deputy chairman of the ANO party, stated that Ukrainian flags on state buildings in the Czech Republic should be taken down. His remarks came after the newly elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura, removed the Ukrainian flag from parliament. This was reported by Radio Prague International.
Havlíček emphasized that the Ukrainian flags have 'fulfilled their role as a symbol of solidarity,' but noted that they could be removed. He also mentioned the possibility of taking down the European flag from the Ministry of Industry and Trade building should he assume the ministerial position.
'Of course, the flag will be taken down at some point, but we will certainly not do it on the first day. However, I believe these flags should be removed from state institutions. I don't see anything wrong with that,' he added.
The statement came in light of Tomio Okamura's actions, who removed the Ukrainian flag from parliament on November 6. Okamura has long criticized the display of Ukrainian flags on public institutions as a symbol of support for Ukraine amid the full-scale invasion by Russia.
In response, three factions of the Czech parliament independently displayed Ukrainian flags. The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, also announced that in a show of solidarity, the Ukrainian parliament raised the flag of the Czech Republic.