Okamura argued that budget funds, which should be directed to support Czech pensioners, people with disabilities, and families with children, should not be spent on purchasing weapons for an "absolutely senseless war." He also accused foreign partners of Kyiv of profiting from arms supplies on credit and characterized the entourage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a "junta." The Speaker of Parliament also criticized the leadership of the European Union, noting that the "Brussels train" is heading towards World War III.
His harsh statements provoked a negative reaction among other politicians. Vít Rakušan, head of the centrist liberal party STAN, called Okamura's words "reprehensible," adding that they have become a disgrace for the Czech Republic. The right-wing Civic Democratic Party (ODS) described his speech as an example of unacceptable manipulation and intimidation, undermining the country's reputation.
Criticism also came from the Ukrainian ambassador in Prague, Vasyl Zvarych, as well as from the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who stated that Okamura's speech insulted Ukraine and its citizens.
In response, Okamura stated that the Czech opposition, in his opinion, "cannot offer anything positive" for improving the lives of citizens and developing the economy.
On November 6, the day after his election as Speaker, he ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the facade of the parliament, stating that "the Czech Republic comes first." This move also sparked a storm of negative emotions both within the country and beyond its borders.
Tomio Okamura was elected to this position with the support of his allies from the new ruling coalition, including the populist ANO movement of billionaire Andrej Babiš and the Motorists for Themselves party. These political forces came to power after the parliamentary elections held on October 3-4, 2025, after which Babiš headed the government of the Czech Republic and stated that Prague would not take on commitments to finance Ukraine.
