Democracy Digest: Questions Over Czech COVID-19 Response

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By the afternoon of March 26, health ministry data showed almost 1,800 cases of infection confirmed in the Czech Republic, with six deaths. Around 27,000 tests had been carried out.

Experts say swift action probably helped keep cases relatively low, at least so far. The government closed schools and banned public events on March 10. It declared a state of emergency on March 12, sealing borders and shuttering most shops. It restricted free movement on March 15. 

Just five other EU states — Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Cyprus — had implemented a similar full lockdown at the time of writing. 

Although tough by some measures, the government's early response met with wide approval. One poll from the Ipsos agency showed 91 per cent support, and most opposition parties and civil society groups also offered their backing. 

However, questions are now starting to multiply.

A woman wearing a protective mask takes a selfie under a blossoming tree in Prague, 25 March 2020. The Czech government has imposed a lockdown in an attempt to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Photo: EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK

'Drooling on the flag'

Most are linked to populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis, the agrochemicals magnate who came to power in 2017 with a pledge to run the country like his business empire. 

Illustrating the focus on the often-controversial figure of the premier, some of the most open outrage followed Babis's appearance in a facemask featuring the Czech flag. Critics blasted him for "drooling" on the flag in the...