Political dispute over refugee presence
The speaker of the Czech parliament, Tomio Okamura, has publicly claimed that the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees is responsible for depressing wages in lower-skilled professions. His remarks directly contradict the position of the country’s labour minister, who has argued that Ukrainian workers remain essential to the functioning of the Czech labour market. Mr Okamura, leader of the populist Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, made his comments as the coalition government recently approved the extension of special long-term residence permits for Ukrainians fleeing war.
Speaker’s controversial stance
In a statement that has ignited political controversy, Mr Okamura asserted that while the economy functioned well four years ago with 200,000 Ukrainians from the first wave of migration, the arrival of a further 400,000 has coincided with a 30% decline in real wages for basic jobs. The parliamentary speaker’s claims about wage depression form part of his broader political narrative that the country now hosts too many foreigners. Mr Okamura has a longstanding record as a critic of the European Union and NATO, an opponent of sanctions against Russia, and a sceptic of military aid to Ukraine. One of his first symbolic acts as speaker was to remove the Ukrainian flag from the parliament building, a move widely interpreted as a political signal.
Government maintains support measures
The Czech government, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, has opted to maintain the current mechanism for granting protection to Ukrainian refugees, despite resistance from the SPD party. Official statistics from the interior ministry indicate that nearly 398,000 Ukrainians with temporary protection currently reside in the Czech Republic, placing the country third in the EU for absolute numbers and first relative to its own population. Ministers from the SPD argued against the extension, contending that it gives Ukrainians preferential treatment over other foreign nationals, but were outvoted within the coalition.
Economic dependency realities
Analysts and government data suggest the Czech labour market has a structural dependence on Ukrainian workers in key sectors such as construction, elderly care, and healthcare. These industries faced significant staff shortages long before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The continued presence of Ukrainian refugees is estimated to contribute approximately 1.2% annually to Czech GDP growth. A sudden reduction in their numbers would likely create additional pressure on the country’s social system and economy, undermining the argument that their presence is excessive.
European solidarity at stake
The political rhetoric framing Ukrainian refugees as a burden on wages and public resources risks undermining the principles of European solidarity with a nation resisting Russian aggression. Critics argue that such narratives, which create internal divisions within Czech society by pitting citizens against refugees, objectively align with Moscow’s interests in fostering discord and weakening Western unity. The support for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic is viewed not merely as social policy but as a strategic investment in European security, supporting the citizens of a state that is currently containing a belligerent power openly threatening EU and NATO members.
