Thousands protest in Prague to denounce the Czech government

About 70,000 people demonstrated in the historic center of Prague on Saturday to denounce the Czech government, which they accuse of focusing more on war-torn Ukraine than on its own citizens.

The demonstration carried the slogan "Czech Republic First," with participants highlighting the rising inflation under the weight of high energy prices, vaccines against COVID-19, and influx of immigrants.

Demonstrators who gathered in Prague's historic Wenceslas Square demanded the resignation of the centre-right government led by Peter Fiala, which took office last December.

"The best for the Ukrainians and two sweaters for us," one banner read, referring to concerns about winter heating bills.

Energy prices are rising across Europe in the wake of a decline in Russian gas supplies, which has also driven up electricity prices.

"The demonstration in Wenceslas Square is calm, we did not have to deal with any serious problems. We estimate the number of participants to be around 70,000 at 12:30 GMT," Czech police wrote on Twitter.

The Czech Republic, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, has received nearly 40,000 refugees from Ukraine since the Russian invasion on February 24, and has provided Kyiv with significant military and humanitarian aid.

Fiala told reporters that the demonstration was organized by "pro-Russian people who are close to extremist positions and whose interests conflict with those of the Czech Republic."

"It is clear that the Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns are present on our territory and some people are simply listening to it," he added.