A statement by the mayor of the Czech city of Plzeň, Roman Zarzycký (ANO), suggesting that young Ukrainian refugees with problematic behavior could be sent to fight on the frontlines in Ukraine, has sparked outrage from the opposition party ODS.
The mayor of Plzeň appeared on Czech television, where he complained about rising crime rates in the city, but his interview was interrupted by the moderator. Later, Zarzycký posted his full comments on Facebook.
In his statement, he emphasized that while he supports aiding those fleeing the war, he does not intend to tolerate the inappropriate behavior of some Ukrainian youth.
Ukraine is seeking reinforcements for its army worldwide. Here in Plzeň, we have several such candidates, he wrote.
Representatives of the opposition ODS party sharply criticized the mayor’s remarks. According to Pavel Šindelář, chairman of Plzeň’s ODS, such statements are nothing more than an attempt to divert attention from the mayor’s administrative failures.
Yes, the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine has created several challenges in Plzeň. But linking this to city safety is unacceptable. It is merely an attempt to justify his own incompetence, Šindelář stated.
