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2026-08-10 08:04 UTC → 2026-08-12 15:52 UTC ·
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In late July By mid-August 2026, the Czech Ministry of Culture announced a controversy surrounding the draft State Cultural Policy for 2026–2030, shifting focus toward the economic impact of culture, tourism, audiovisual production, and a proposed budget increase. The release surprised 2026–2030 has expanded into widespread opposition from both the cultural sector, which noted that sector and within the draft had been prepared solely Czech government. Over 60 professional organizations, led by ministry officials the Cultural and lacked broad expert participation. A public comment period was opened until 4 August. By early August, Creative Federation, have demanded the ministry had posted government withdraw the draft for comment on document, citing a lack of proper analysis, participation, and implementation plans. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the Czech Chamber potential politicization of Commerce website. Critics, including cultural decision-making and the Association erosion of Professional Theatres, argued professional expertise. Internal government opposition has also emerged. The Ministry of Finance noted that the document duplicated proposal impacts the previous policy, omitted clear implementation measures and indicators, competencies of other ministries and was prepared in secrecy contrary to earlier statements. They called local governments without accounting for an apology and a withdrawal of the draft until a transparent consultation could be conducted. Following the comment period, criticism intensified regarding increased budget requirements. Additionally, the transparency Ministry of the drafting process. Artistic associations, including Interior criticized the Actors' Association and lack of analytical data, while the Association Ministry of Independent Theaters, characterized Education described the process plan as "entirely unacceptable." These critics further alleged that the document was authored by Barbora Šťastná, too general, requesting a spokesperson for concrete implementation schedule and financial framework. Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř. In response to Klempíř has defended the backlash, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated he would address strategy, calling it “perfect” and asserting that responsibility for cultural policy lies with the criticisms minister rather than professional associations. This defense follows earlier scrutiny regarding the cultural policy. By August 10, Minister Oto Klempíř faced renewed scrutiny following reports rapid production of a revised version of the "State Cultural Policy 2026–2030+" document. While a more comprehensive strategy had reportedly resulted from long-term collaboration with cultural organizations and regional authorities, this new version appeared to have been produced rapidly within document at the Nostický Palace, Palace involving spokesperson Barbora Šťastná. Questions have been raised regarding the timing of this revised release, particularly as implementation materials for Šťastná, and allegations from artistic associations that the previously approved version, expected in June, had not materialized. drafting process was “entirely unacceptable.”