The Czech Ministry of the Interior reported that the traditional extremist and xenophobic populist scene in the Czech Republic has been completely overshadowed by the rise of the antisystem movement in the first half of this year. The movement is characterized by individuals over 40 years old, expressing existential fears and a sense of alienation.

The antisystem movement consists of disparate groups with limited membership and short lifespans. Although they attempt to project an image of mass, well-organized entities with political ambitions, they mainly comprise a few individuals. These groups often resort to conspiracy theories, spiritual dimensions, and exploiting frustrations for personal gains or political capital.

The Ministry highlighted the adoption of the idea that the Czech Republic is not a legitimate state among antisystem activists. The so-called sovereign citizens have been putting pressure on authorities or ignoring their calls, leading to incidents at courts where accused individuals were portrayed as victims of an illegitimate system.

The report further noted pro-Russian hybrid influence activities directed against the Czech Republic, particularly due to its support for Ukraine. These activities involve disinformation, support for antisystem movements, cyber attacks, alarmist messages, and intimidation of opponents. The ultimate goal is to undermine and weaken the democratic pillars of the country.

The right-wing extremists focused primarily on foreign events and maintaining contacts, while domestic groups faced internal disagreements and fear of government sanctions, hindering their ability to generate charismatic personalities. Anarchist collectives were described as “intellectually exhausted and stereotypical,” with rigid communities that struggle to attract new members. The Ministry did not record any significant manifestations of religious extremism.

Xenophobic or racist expressions from individuals without ties to the right-wing extremist environment also surfaced this year. The Ministry registered xenophobic statements against Ukrainians and the Roma community in connection with the killing of a Roma individual in Brno. Tensions may continue to rise between Ukrainians, Roma, and Czechs, with stressors from the pandemic potentially increasing inter-ethnic conflicts.

The Ministry emphasized the need to address mutual conflicts and rising tensions, as extremists and populists may exploit the situation further if not properly addressed.

The rise of the antisystem movement and the influence of pro-Russian activities pose significant challenges to the stability and unity of the Czech Republic. As authorities respond to these developments, it will be crucial to address the underlying factors driving these movements while upholding democratic principles and safeguarding social cohesion.

Article by Prague Forum