Czech government faces criticism over legislative and cultural policy processes

The Czech government is facing criticism regarding its legislative and strategic processes. Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř is under fire from artistic associations for a new proposal for the State Cultural Policy 2026–2030. Critics, including the Actors' Association and the Association of Independent Theaters, argue the document was prepared without transparency or public discussion. They further note that the author is Barbora Šťastná, Klempíř’s spokesperson and wife of Minister Boris Šťastný, calling the process "entirely unacceptable."

Simultaneously, Minister Tejc has addressed flaws in the "child certificate" law, which is intended to verify that individuals can safely work with children. Tejc described the existing text as a "travesty" resulting from the fact that the law did not undergo a standard inter-ministerial review process after being introduced as an amendment. This legislative shortcut has led to errors that may require employees to re-verify their certificates every three months, a result not intended by lawmakers. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has stated he will respond to the criticisms regarding the cultural policy.