Deputy Chairman of the ČSSD Onderka would consider Staňek's dismissal from the government

Prague - Minister of Culture Antonín Staněk (CSSD) will explain to the leadership of the Social Democracy party the controversial dismissal of the directors of the National Gallery in Prague, Jiří Fajt, and the director of the Museum of Art in Olomouc, Michal Soukup, upon his return from China. Statutory Vice-Chairman of CSSD Roman Onderka stated in today's Questions of Václav Moravec on Czech Television that he would personally consider Staněk's departure from the cabinet. The minister told ČTK today that he would be happy to explain the dismissal of both directors to the top leadership of CSSD.

Representatives of cultural institutions and artists have drafted a petition for Staněk's removal from the position of Minister of Culture. The minister justified his decision regarding Fajt and Soukup by citing a loss of trust and alleged economic and managerial shortcomings. The petitioners disagree with the reasons given for their dismissal. They state that it resembles the practices of the normalization period before 1989.

Onderka said that he does not find Staněk's actions very professional. "The petition is a big problem. We do not take it lightly," he noted. The minister is currently visiting China with President Miloš Zeman, and according to Onderka, he should explain the dismissals of Fajt and Soukup to members of the CSSD leadership next week. If he does not justify his actions, CSSD should consider Staněk's removal from the government, Onderka believes.

Staněk informed ČTK today in an SMS from China that he has already explained the reasons for the dismissal of both directors to CSSD Chairman Jan Hamáček, who accepted the explanation. "I have personally informed the CSSD parliamentary club as well, which also accepted my explanation. If the PG (political leadership) would like an explanation, I would be happy to provide it," the minister stated.

The authors of the petition say that despite the long-term lack of funds for the operation of the National Gallery in Prague, Fajt managed to awaken an institution that had been dormant for a relatively short time. They believe that the planned reconstruction of the Veletržní Palace and the announcement of an international architectural competition are also at risk, as well as future cooperation with the Centre Pompidou in Paris. According to the petition authors, the minister fundamentally damaged the good reputation and international programs of the Museum of Art in Olomouc by using distorted and misleading arguments for the dismissal of its director, Soukup.

On Friday, Staněk reacted through his office, stating that he humanly understands the emotions of the artists. However, he regrets that instead of an objective and critical understanding of the reasons for the dismissals of both directors, "an irrational atmosphere and deliberate intimidation in the form of threatening Czech culture predominates."