Radosław Sikorski's clash with the head of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Munich Humiliation”

A lively exchange of opinions took place on Saturday during a debate on the so-called democratic deficit in the European Union. Next to the head of Czech diplomacy, Petra Macinkithe Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs sat on the panel Radosław Sikorski and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Sikorski points out the Czech minister

During the discussion, Petr Macinka put forward the thesis that the European Commission does not have a democratic mandate, arguing that there is no direct election of commissioners by citizens. Radosław Sikorski reacted immediately to these words.

The Polish minister pointed out that the composition of the European Commission is approved by the democratically elected European Parliament — analogously to how the Czech parliament approves the local government.

The topic of freedom of speech and ideology also aroused emotions. Sikorski reminded that in countries such as Poland, for historical reasons, it is prohibited to promote fascism or communism.

— We believe in freedom of speech, but with responsibility – he emphasized. Macinka replied that he “doesn't like being labeled a fascist” and appealed not to treat an ideological opponent as a public enemy. Sikorski, however, replied that some Europeans still held fascist views.

Storm on the Internet. “A painful lesson” and “a complete failure”

Macinka's statements received wide coverage on Czech social media. Opposition politicians and commentators did not spare the minister harsh words, calling out his performance “Munich humiliation”.

Czech EU Commissioner, Jozef Síkelapublicly thanked the head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his attitude:

“I would like to thank Radosław Sikorski for his patience in debunking anti-EU disinformation nonsense, even when it is spread by colleagues from other EU countries,” Síkela wrote on X.

He made a similar statement Martin Kupkachairman of the Civic Democratic Party:

“Such a foreign minister should not participate in international politics,” he said bluntly, calling Macinka's speech “nonsense.”

Vít Rakušanleader of the Mayors and Independents party, stated that the minister's lack of arguments is a “disastrous calling card for the entire Czech Republic”:

“Of course, you can argue with your colleagues on world forums. But you have to have arguments on your side. This is a terrible showcase for the Vaclav Klaus Institute. And unfortunately for the entire Czech Republic,” Rakušan said on the X portal.

On the other hand Ivan Bartošleader of the Czech Pirate Party, briefly stated that Macinka was picked up in Munich “a painful lesson”and the whole speech was a “complete failure.”

He continued his criticism Marek Ženíšek from TOP 09, who announced an interpellation to the Prime Minister with a telling title: “Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Macinka should stay at home and not embarrass himself.” Former ambassador to the EU, Pavel Teličkaadded maliciously that the minister decided to “disgrace himself not only in the country, but also abroad.”

Macinka goes head-on: “It's worth not being boring”

Despite the wave of criticism, the interested person himself does not seem to care about the negative comments. In an interview with the iROZHLAS portal, Petr Macinka said that he took part in one of the “most lively discussions”. – It's certainly worth not being boring, but stimulating energy – he commented on his performance.

Politicians from the Czech ruling coalition and right-wing circles came to the defense of the minister. Tomio Okamura (Freedom and Direct Democracy) agreed with Macinka, claiming that the democratic deficit in the EU is “obvious”, citing the Polish judicial reform as an example. In turn, former president Vaclav Klaus he stated that although he would have behaved differently, he would have been disappointed if Macinka had not quarreled with Sikorski and Clinton.