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Prague – A symbolic gesture – or perhaps a deliberate snub – has deepened the already strained relationship between Czech Culture Minister Oto Klempíř and the nation’s arts community. Klempíř’s decision to depart an empty chair at a recent discussion held at Prague’s Divadlo Palace has been widely interpreted as a sealing of a growing rift, signaling a potentially turbulent period for cultural policy in the Czech Republic.

The incident occurred following a series of confrontational exchanges between Klempíř and figures within the artistic sphere, including the chair of the Motoristé sobě party, Petr Macinka, and his political ally Filip Turek. The minister’s subsequent visit with moderators Aleš Cibulka and Michal Jagelka was described as a “moldy cherry on a burnt cake,” suggesting a performative attempt at reconciliation that fell flat. The situation raises questions about the future of cultural funding and the independence of public media under the current coalition government.

A Departure from Tradition

For years, the Czech Ministry of Culture has often been led by individuals with direct ties to the arts – playwrights, writers, actors, musicians, and directors. Figures like dramatist Uhde, novelist Tigrid, and actors Stropnický, Jandák, Štěpánek, musician Riedlbauch, and theater director Dostál, although not universally popular, fostered a level of trust and understanding with the artistic community. This tradition appears to be ending with Klempíř, and a more adversarial relationship seems likely. The current minister’s background and approach have sparked concern among artists and cultural workers.

That concern was evident even before Klempíř’s appointment. In October, a petition signed by artists, cultural workers, students, and teachers protested the prospect of the Motoristé sobě party controlling the Ministry of Culture, expressing fears that the party would be detrimental to the arts, similar to its perceived impact on environmental policy. Adding to the apprehension was Klempíř’s past as an informant for the State Security before the Velvet Revolution, a history that continues to cast a shadow over his leadership. politico.eu

Broken Promises and Budget Cuts

Despite initial promises of a “free and strong culture” with stable funding, increased artist salaries, and accessible arts experiences, the Motoristé sobě party’s commitments appear to be unraveling. The recently approved state budget for 2026 includes significant cuts to the Ministry of Culture’s budget, and public media outlets are protesting a proposed plan to abolish license fees, a key source of their financial independence. Romea.cz

Klempíř’s refusal to participate in a discussion with actors who had publicly criticized the Motoristé sobě party has been described as cowardly, and his failure to initiate a public debate about the planned changes is seen as inexcusable. While he reportedly has four proposals for funding public media, and a further commission is working on the issue, the process is shrouded in secrecy. Instead, the public is presented with images of Klempíř meeting with Slovak Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová, a figure not known for her support of a free and vibrant cultural scene.

A Target for Satire

Leaders of the Motoristé sobě party have become frequent targets of viral humor, often lampooned for perceived inflated egos. This newfound notoriety is unlikely to be welcomed by a party that appears to be shifting towards a more authoritarian approach to governance. The situation underscores a growing disconnect between the ruling coalition and the Czech cultural landscape.

The current trajectory suggests a period of increased tension and potential conflict between the Ministry of Culture and the arts community. The next steps will likely involve further protests from artists and cultural workers, as well as continued scrutiny of the government’s cultural policies. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of arts funding, artistic freedom, and the role of public media in the Czech Republic.

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