Radka Denemarková delivers political speech at Frankfurt Book Fair

Writer Radka Denemarková delivered a prominent speech at the opening of the 78th Frankfurt Book Fair, where the Czech Republic is featured as the guest of honor. Her address focused on the inseparable link between literature and politics during a period of perceived rising totalitarianism and fascism in Europe.

Denemarková criticized current political trends, stating that democracy has been reduced to “business and economic pragmatism” and noting that “new fascisms, new totalitarianisms and genocides are being normalized.” She specifically addressed the Czech political landscape, mentioning former StB collaborators within the government. She called upon the cultural community to act as a moral compass and to challenge those in power.

While the speech received a standing ovation in Frankfurt, it has sparked discussion regarding the role of activist literature. Some observers view her words as a necessary, loud expression of dissent from a major Czech cultural figure on the international stage, while others characterize the approach as prioritizing ideological messaging over traditional literary complexity.