Babiš is preparing to go to Petrkov with Zaorálek regarding Reynek's estate

Hořice - Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) is preparing to visit Petra with Minister of Culture Lubomír Zaorálek (ČSSD) to see the farm of poet Bohuslav Reynek, which the family is offering for sale. The Prime Minister said this today to ČTK. The Ministry of Culture indicated last month that it will strive to purchase the farm if it obtains funds beyond the ministry's budget. During his visit to Hořice in the Pelhřimov region today, Babiš stated that this is likely one of the priorities for Minister Zaorálek, which he could support.

According to Babiš, it is necessary to find out how much the property costs and what the operating costs would be. "As soon as it is possible, we will definitely set off there and address it on-site. But I understood that from the perspective of cultural heritage, it is important for us, so I will definitely support it as well," he said. The possible date for the trip to Petrkov was not specified by the Prime Minister.

In the Petrkov house lived the poet, graphic artist, and translator Reynek (1892 to 1971) with his wife, French poet and translator Suzanne Renaud, as well as their sons, photographer Daniel and translator Jiří. The family is selling the monument-protected property. The real estate agency did not disclose the asking price.

Michaela Lagronová, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, told ČTK last month that if funds could be raised for the purchase, the chateau could be operated by the Memorial of National Literature. At that time, she also stated that the ministry would request the necessary increase in funds from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová.

According to the petition Save Petrkov!, the house should serve as a reminder of Reynek's work and those close to him and companions who visited Petrkov. Since the beginning of May, 1,900 signatures have been collected for the petition.