The authorities of Karlovy Differ, a Czech spa metropolis near German borders, face criticism for a marketing campaign attracting Russian-speaking vacationers.
The Russian clientele was essential, however the variety of Russians in Karlovy Differ has dropped considerably because of sanctions.
The marketing campaign was meant to be online-only in order that it could solely seem on computer systems and telephones in Europe and solely to individuals who have Russian set on their gadgets.
Among the many options for an acceptable slogan was the motto: “Karlovy Differ understands you,” however it was withdrawn later, Deník N reported.
Mayor Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová, from the Renew affiliated ANO social gathering of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, defends the marketing campaign, saying it targets EU residents.
“It’s not aimed toward Russia, however at individuals who stay inside Europe, most of all in Germany, and solely communicate Russian,” the mayor informed Czech Information Company.
“We’re not concentrating on Russians in Russia to come back to us. That must be differentiated,” she added.
Opposition councillors have known as on the authorities to finish its advertising and marketing marketing campaign.
“Populations of Russian origin in European nations, historically very strongly linked to their homeland, are largely not actively against the warfare, and quite the opposite, some Russians dwelling in Europe are organising rallies in help of the Russian regime and the easing of sanctions,” the letter from the opposition deputies reads.
Based on the authors, it’s clear that some Russians dwelling within the EU don’t share European values. “Furthermore, at a time once we are internet hosting a lot of warfare refugees from Ukraine, this might be a safety risk within the excessive for this very weak group,” the opposition representatives stated.
(Aneta Zachová | EURACTIV.cz)
