Prague is the most common destination for Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. The numbers will continue to grow, predicts the deputy mayor
According to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, more than 41,000 people reported staying in Prague in connection with the war in Ukraine. Is the capital already overwhelmed by refugees?
It must be said that Prague is the most common destination for war refugees heading to the Czech Republic. Our assistance center at the Congress Center, which is packed with volunteers, institutions and officials, has served more than 43,000 people to date. According to the operators, it is estimated that there are over 250,000 refugees in the Czech Republic who are gradually registering. Due to the fact that the deadline for processing the visa has been extended to thirty days, we estimate that the numbers will increase significantly.
Does Prague still have unused accommodation capacity at the moment?
Approximately 30,000 people register with us at the Prague Assistance Center per day, of which about ten percent need accommodation. Accommodation capacity gives us fast months and we need to need those people to come here, maybe for years. A partial increase in the state contribution has helped, as a result of which capacities in hostels, boarding houses and hotels are also beginning to be released. The amount is being specified now, but of course there is a big difference whether you are accommodating a refugee in Prague or maybe somewhere on the border – unfortunately the contribution is the same everywhere.
The Prague ODS evaluates the managerial steps of the coalition in the capital as unsystematic and chaotic. Supposedly there is no communication with the city districts?
I think that Prague is a model for other cities in how aid works. It’s not just about having an open door for everyone and accommodating them headlong, but also dealing with aftercare. In the last two weeks, we have had at least three meetings of mayors and city secretaries. We cannot expect groups that have been prepared for such a crisis in the city districts or the municipality. In the humanitarian warehouse, for example, we had things for floods – buckets and boots, then we dealt with covid – so disinfectants, respirators and drapes. But, of course, no one could expect a quarter of a million other people who would need long-term help.
Will the capital have enough school capacity for asylum seekers?
We must approach this in such a way that there are Ukrainian citizens who are likely to want to return home – for such children it should take place in landscape. We are guessing the spaces where these children could be educated and the first single classes have already been established.
You have met with negative feedback on your help to Ukrainian refugees.
Of course. And I think that in Czech society, these voices will be heard more and more often. That is why we try to help responsibly. We must help and be in solidarity, but our help must not mean the rise of populists like Tomia Okamura, or God forbid. As mayors, we can provide the government with valuable feedback on what to do to maintain the scope and quality of public services so that they are not overloaded.
Why is it necessary to pay attention to the individual needs of visitors? And are more volunteers needed? Listen to the entire audio recording of Vladimír Kroc’s interview with Petr Hlubučka.