The protesters demanded the resignation of the current coalition government led by conservative Prime Minister Petr Fiala, criticizing it for a number of issues including its Western-oriented policies.

They condemned the government for its support for sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine and accused it of not being able to cope with soaring energy prices. Protesters also criticized NATO, the European Union and the 27-nation bloc’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality. The country belongs to both organizations.

Fiala said everyone has the right to protest, but said protesters are expressing pro-Russian views “which are not in the interests of the Czech Republic and our citizens”.

The Czech Republic strongly supports Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion and has donated weapons, including heavy weapons, to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The government plans to convene an emergency meeting of EU countries next week to seek a united approach to the energy crisis. The Czech Republic currently holds the bloc’s rotating presidency.