Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has strongly opposed the plan to hold the Sudeten German Day in Brno (Brünn), noting that the event is scheduled for Pentecost. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, Macinka characterized the proposed gathering as “very unfortunate”. He criticized the chairman of the Sudeten German Association, Bernd Posselt, accusing him of underestimating the public reaction and succumbing to wishful thinking through an NGO that is not highly respected within the Czech Republic. Macinka pointed out that Czech society’s response is divided: a large segment is merely uninterested, while the rest of the population objects vehemently, particularly older residents who do not accept the event taking place in Brno. He stressed that these concerns do not reflect radical sentiment.
The gathering is expected to be joined by major political figures, including Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, both from the CSU party. The government in Prague has formally rejected the meeting, and a parliamentary declaration on the matter is anticipated this week. Macinka added that he doubted Söder and Dobrindt would have a pleasant time in Brno, though he quickly clarified that this criticism is not directed against Germany, nor does it diminish the “excellent relations” between the two countries.