- Petr Pavel bowed to the monument of the Gentle Revolution in Prague.
- He emphasized the importance of respect and responsibility in a free society.
- The Czech president criticized the confusion of freedom of speech with freedom of insults.
- Slovakia canceled the national holiday of November 17 as a day of rest.
People today according to Czech President Peter Pavl they often replace freedom of speech with the freedom to insult, distort or lie without any responsibility. However, according to him, freedom without responsibility makes no sense and represents anarchy. Society should make it clear that freedom also means respect and responsibility for others. He said this after laying flowers and lighting a candle at the Memorial of the Gentle Revolution on Národná street in Prague, reports TASR in Prague.
“Many people have very different ideas of what freedom and democracy are. On the other hand, we all have the right to celebrate it in our own way, whatever we think of it as.” said Pavel.
He pointed out that the words sung by Marta Kubišová in the song Prayer for Marta for malice, envy and resentment to pass away, according to him, they have not yet been fulfilled. “This is a discipline in which, unfortunately, we still do well, even if we have a minimum of reasons for it. Although we have many problems, we are definitely not a country that is so badly off that we have to nurture malice, envy and resentment here.” he emphasized. According to him, politicians should set an example. “I’m trying to do that and I don’t spread any malice, envy or resentment,” he added.
The Czech president also responded to the fact that today is no longer a day of rest in Slovakia. “It’s the decision of some Slovak politicians, we have no choice but to respect it. We can take our own approach to it, and I’m happy about it.” stated.
Several people shouted at Pavle at the monument, shouted slogans in Russian, the sign “Pávek” or asked him what he was doing in November 1989. But then the much larger crowd started applauding him and chanting “Thank you!” or “Long live Pavel”.
On Monday, the Czech Republic and Slovakia commemorate the Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy, as well as the International Student Day. On the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the Gentle Revolution, celebrations are held in many places in the Czech Republic. In the capital, it is, for example, the Korzo Národní event or the Concert for the Future on Wenceslas Square, which are part of the Republic-wide Freedom Festival. The main theme of this year’s Korzo Národní program at the former National Classroom is “We have something to say”.
