BBC World Questions Comes To Prague

This is a tumultuous time in Czech politics. Six months after Andrej Babis - the billionaire businessman who leads the centrist ANO movement - won October's ballot, the country is still without a viable government. On-off talks with the Social Democrats look promising, but could still stall over fraud charges against Mr Babis. 

This is one in a series of debates that the BBC World Service is holding across the world. BBC World Questions - an international series of English language events created with the British Council - allows the public to question politicians, leaders and opinion formers directly face to face. The debates are led entirely by questions from the audience who are able to have their points heard around the world.

Chairing the debate at Archa Theatre in Prague, BBC presenter Allan Little will be joined by a panel of Czech politicians and commentators who will be taking questions from the audience and discussing, in English, the shifting political landscape, the economy and the Czech Republic’s relationship with the EU. The panel will include:

• Adam Vojtech - Minister of Health
• Dr Josef Skala - Communist Party
• Silvie Lauder - Journalist from weekly news magazine Respekt
• Tomas Jirsa - PR consultant and political commentator

Mary Hockaday, Controller, BBC World Service English says: “This is a fascinating time to bring our flagship debate programme to Prague. International debate is at the heart of the BBC World Service, and this is a chance for the audience to put their questions directly to our distinguished panel of politicians and opinion formers. During a critical period in Czech politics, we’re eager to hear what topics they want to raise in a debate that will then be heard around the world.”   

Denise Waddingham, Country Director, British Council Czech Republic, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with the BBC to bring World Questions to Prague and look forward to a lively debate.  Providing space for open and independent debate and connecting people globally is a core component of the British Council’s cultural relations remit.  For more than 80 years we have been sharing the UK’s language, education and culture across the world and we believe that connecting people both in the Czech Republic and globally makes a powerful and lasting contribution to a more open and connected world.”

BBC World Questions is an English language event, created in partnership with the British Council and will be recorded for radio broadcast worldwide. 

BBC World Questions will be recorded in English on May 9 at Archa Theatre at 6pm.  To join in the debate and be part of the audience please apply for free tickets here

BBC World Questions: Prague will air on BBC World Service English on May 12.

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