Massive rally organized in Prague to protest against the government, the EU and NATO

Nearly 70,000 people gathered in Prague’s iconic Wenceslas Square on Saturday to demand change in several areas of government policy.

Protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s centre-right coalition government because it was neglecting its citizens to the detriment of war-torn Ukraine.

Clear outrage has been expressed over rising inflation, soaring energy prices, Covid-19 vaccination and immigrants.

Organizers of the protest, dubbed “Czech Republic First,” are expected to be militarily neutral and secure direct contracts with gas suppliers, including Russia.

“The focus of our protests is a call for change. We want the issue of energy prices, especially electricity and gas, to be resolved, because if left unresolved it will destroy our economy this fall,” said one of the organizers Jirži. Havel said iDNES.cz.

“Best for Ukrainians and two sweaters for us,” read one banner, referring to concerns over winter heating bills.

Rallies had already been held this year during the month of May in Republic Square to protest against the provision of military aid to Ukraine.

Read more: Czech students can switch to distance education due to electricity costs

Gas cuts from Russia led European gas prices to roughly double from a year ago, which also drove up electricity prices.

Last June, the government provided military equipment worth more than 3.5 billion crowns to Ukraine, in addition to preparing new shipments.

Read more: EU prepares contingency plan to halt energy prices