In a dramatic early move, Tomio Okamura, newly elected speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag that had hung outside the building since 2022 to show solidarity with Kyiv.

The ruling coalition’s response condemned the action as a shame, while pro-European coalition partners later hung the Ukraine flag in the windows of their party offices as a demonstrative counterpoint.

The flag had been originally displayed as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, standing alongside the Czech national flag and other European and Israeli emblems.

The shift in alliance—an ANO-SPD-Motoristé sobě bloc—will shape Okamura’s influence and the direction of the government.

Observers frame the move as signaling broader shifts in Czech foreign and migration policy that could strain relations with the EU and NATO.

Contextual note: three parties formed a coalition on November 3 under ANO’s Babiš; by November 6 the pro-Ukrainian government of Prime Minister Fiala had resigned, signaling ongoing realignment.

Nationalist supporters celebrated the act, viewing it as a tilt toward Moscow-friendly sentiment within Czech politics.

Okamura also advocates resuming Russian gas supplies to lower energy costs, framing energy security as a policy priority.

Okamura is described as a nationalist with a history of controversial rhetoric, and his party is backed by the coalition partners ANO and Motoristé sobě.

Other politicians characterized the action as a betrayal of solidarity and democratic values, highlighting a broader shift in the governing coalition’s stance.

The article offers guidance for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic on temporary protection, health insurance, and legal resources through Visit Ukraine.

Analysts note Okamura’s shift toward Moscow aligns with his party’s modern stance, despite earlier anti-Russian positions.