<Bém> The location of the Kaplický Library in Letná is unfortunate. </Bém>

Prague, October 11 (ČTK) - The location of the new National Library building according to Jan Kaplický's design in Letná is unfortunate, according to Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS). Bém emphasized that this is his private opinion and added that he finds the design architecturally interesting. He wrote to ČTK in a brief text message that the decision about the library is now a matter for experts, not politicians.
Most councilors from the ODS party oppose the construction of the building according to Kaplický's design in Letná. The Civic Democrats hold an absolute majority in the council. According to them, the council should decide about the library in January or February. The proposed resolution could state that the council does not approve the construction of the library in Letná according to Kaplický's design.
However, Kaplický opposes the change of location, arguing that the project was planned with the view and plot in Letná, and another location would mean complete reworking of the design. "One political party dictates the view on culture, and we experienced that for 40 years," the architect told Czech Television. "What they find objectionable about it, no one has been able to say," he wondered.
Bém stated that the council will definitely not discuss the library at the meetings in October and November. "Without wanting to take away the right of ODS councilors to express themselves about Kaplický's octopus in Letná, at this moment I can unambiguously confirm that such a vote is not on the agenda," wrote the mayor.
Bém reminded that as a member of the international commission that evaluated the competition proposals and announced the winner, he is bound by a certain confidentiality. He personally believes that the building could enhance the northern part of the city in Prosek or Letňany or the Pankrác plain. "But we really do not need it in the immediate vicinity of Prague Castle. Therefore, we have been looking for another location for Blob for at least three months," Bém said.
According to him, Prague supports and will continue to support the creation of a modern National Library building in the city. "Whether in different parameters in Letná, or somewhere else," added Bém.
Today, the library's management admitted that Kaplický's design could be modified. If it were still not possible to build the library in Letná due to pressure from certain politicians, an alternative solution would likely be sought. If the city truly opposed the construction, the library would, according to its director Vlastimil Ježek, not be able to push it through.
A shift in the discussions is expected from the meeting between Bém (ODS), Deputy Minister of Culture František Mikeš, and Ježek. "We must find a solution," Ježek said today before journalists. He also noted that there was no commitment in the competition that a building must be constructed according to the winning project.