The debate over Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic has reignited. Tomio Okamura, the chairman of the SPD and the Chamber of Deputies, stated on Sunday's "Partie" program on CNN Prima NEWS that, if it were up to him, he would immediately abolish temporary protection for people who have fled the Russian aggression in Ukraine. His words provoked a sharp reaction from Martin Kupka, the chairman of the ODS, who described the statement as outrageous and added that, in his opinion, Okamura was thereby validating those who call him a "commercial fascist."

Okamura argued in the debate that the correct approach is zero tolerance for illegal migration and that the SPD does not want to participate in the policies of Western countries, which he considers irresponsible. Regarding Ukrainians, he spoke of "termination," but later clarified that he meant the termination of temporary protection in the Czech Republic. According to iDNES.cz, he also stated that he would cut off benefits for Ukrainians.

Kupka countered that such rhetoric obscures the reality of the war and the Czech economy. According to critics of the SPD, Ukrainians are not only recipients of aid but also workers in sectors that have long struggled with a shortage of people, such as construction, healthcare, and social services. The Czech justice system has noted that Okamura also said that Ukrainian refugees would have to leave the Czech Republic by the end of the war.

The debate comes at a time when the government of Andrej Babiš is already preparing to tighten the rules for holders of temporary protection. According to Czech Television, people applying for humanitarian assistance will now have to prove that they are employed, self-employed, or registered with the employment office, and they must also reside in the Czech Republic for at least 16 days a month. The government has also proposed that holders of protection could lose their status, for example, if they stay abroad for more than 30 days or if they commit a serious crime with a penalty of deportation.

Temporary protection remains the main legal tool that allows Ukrainians to legally reside, work, and receive basic support in the Czech Republic. The Ministry of the Interior has previously stated that the protection can be extended in 2026 until March 31, 2027. The question of whether to tighten the rules or completely abolish the protection is therefore becoming one of the most contentious political debates surrounding migration in the Czech Republic.

gnews.cz - GH