Populism in Czech Politics and Potential Policy Shifts: What Awaits Ukrainian Refugees After the Elections
Amid economic difficulties and growing public sentiment against Ukrainian refugees, tensions are mounting regarding their status and rights in the Czech Republic.
A prominent right-wing party, SPD, led by Tomio Okamura, has openly declared intentions to revise the residence permits for Ukrainian citizens should it come to power in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October.
In a televised debate on Nova, Okamura stated that one of his priorities would be to overhaul the policies concerning foreigners, including the cancellation of residence permits for Ukrainians who arrived after Russia’s military aggression began.Okamura emphasized that his movement aims to form a government, and among its first steps would be reconsidering existing agreements related to Ukrainians — including removing national flags from government buildings if his party joins the coalition.
He also asserts that his stance is focused on protecting Czech citizens’ interests, and the issue of Ukrainian refugees is not a humanitarian matter but a way to safeguard national interests.Currently, a significant number of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic reside under temporary protection status due to the ongoing conflict.
While most are employed and integrated, concerns are growing that Ukrainians are taking jobs away from Czechs and contributing to energy supply issues through increased demands for gas from Russia.
Politicians like Okamura highlight that Ukrainians are ‘taking’ jobs and creating obstacles to Russian gas imports.Given his populist rhetoric and the political climate, changes towards stricter policies on foreigners are not ruled out after the elections.
Czech President Petr Pavel warned that political forces gaining ground could threaten the country’s stability.
These developments cast doubt on the future of Ukrainian refugees’ integration and could lead to significant shifts in Czech foreign policy and domestic policies on immigration.