Tomio Okamura, leader of the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, said his party would demand a review of residence permits for Ukrainians in Czechia as a condition for entering a future coalition government. Speaking on Nova TV on September 6, he argued that only Ukrainians filling jobs with little domestic interest should be allowed to stay. Most Ukrainians currently reside in the country under temporary protection visas, granted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The remarks were first reported by Radio Prague International.
Concerns over housing, healthcare and national symbols
Okamura linked the mass arrival of Ukrainians to pressure on housing availability and longer waits in public clinics. “This is not about hate, but I am a Czech politician and I am on the side of Czech citizens,” he said. He also pledged to remove Ukrainian flags from government buildings if SPD joined the cabinet. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 3–4, with SPD polling at 12.9% in the latest STEM survey, ranking third among Czech political forces.
Potential coalition and European tensions
The most likely government could be formed by Andrej Babiš’s opposition ANO movement, which leads current polls. Babiš has promised to cancel the “ammunition initiative” that supplies artillery shells to Ukraine. President Petr Pavel has also acknowledged he cannot guarantee continued military aid after the elections. Analysts warn that an SPD role in government would strengthen Eurosceptic, pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian positions in Prague, potentially straining relations with the European Commission and reducing Czech support for Kyiv.
Ukrainian contribution to Czech economy
According to the Security Information Service (BIS), more than 390,000 Ukrainians with temporary protection lived in Czechia at the end of 2024, with 249,000 officially employed. About 90% are registered and pay taxes and social contributions, adding more to the Czech economy than they receive in benefits. BIS estimates Ukrainian refugees raise annual GDP by 1.2%. Restrictions on their stay could force departures to other EU states, triggering labor shortages in construction, services and industry.
Risks of instability and alignment with Kremlin interests
Rights groups warn that reviewing residence permits would increase uncertainty for thousands of war-displaced families and risk pushing some into semi-legal status. Critics argue such measures contradict EU humanitarian commitments and could fuel xenophobia and social tensions inside Czechia, giving momentum to radical groups. Observers note that Okamura’s initiative aligns with Kremlin interests by undermining Western support for Ukraine and shaping negative perceptions of Ukrainians within EU societies.
