Czech Culture Minister Oto Klempíř has dismissed Alicja Knast from her position as director of Prague's National Gallery. The move has generated significant scrutiny, with critics questioning the lack of a formal explanation and the abrupt manner of her removal, which was announced without a joint press conference.
The dismissal is viewed by many within the Czech art community as politically motivated, given the differing political affiliations of the minister who appointed Knast and the current minister. Artists have raised broader concerns about Minister Klempíř's approach to cultural governance and funding, fearing it could undermine institutional independence. The event highlights ongoing tensions between government oversight and the autonomy of major cultural institutions.