Survey shows strong support for dissolution of Workers’ Party

Most Czechs support a court ban on the far-right Workers’ Party according to a poll released by the SANEP agency on Sunday. The Supreme Administrative Court decided to dissolve the party on Wednesday citing its racist, xenophobic and anti-gay stances and Nazi links. The poll showed almost 75 percent of respondents in favour of the court ruling. Around four-fifths of those surveyed characterised the party as extremist and propagating Nazism with 69 percent saying it was a threat to democracy. Just over 14,000 people were questioned for the survey.

Leaders of the Workers’ Party said on Saturday that they will fight upcoming general elections under the banner Workers’ Party of Social Justice (DSSS). Leader Tomáš Vanas said he identified a wave of support after the dissolution decision and that could be demonstrated in elections. The court decision was the first time a party has been dissolved on political not financial grounds since the creation of the Czech Republic in 1993.

Author: Chris Johnstone