Czech Parliament to Vote on Proposed Ban on Dual Citizenship for Russian Nationals
Key Points on Czech Parliament’s Proposal to Ban Dual Citizenship for Russian Nationals
- Czech MPs are set to vote next month on a proposal to ban dual citizenship for Russian nationals, with the vote likely to take place between November 29 and December 3.
- The proposed law, aimed at addressing national security concerns, would require Russian passport holders to renounce their citizenship to obtain Czech citizenship.
- If approved, the law will come into effect in January 2025, applying only to future cases.
Background and National Security Concerns
The proposal, driven by MPs from the STAN party, reflects growing apprehensions about dual citizenship amid heightened tensions with Russia. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan emphasized the risks posed by dual citizenship during ongoing conflicts, stating:
"Russia considers our country an enemy and is waging a hybrid war against us. Dual citizenship could represent a security risk."
Statistical data reveals that Russians account for one-quarter of foreigners granted Czech citizenship, with numbers doubling between 2019 and 2022.
Diverging Opinions Among Czech Lawmakers
While the proposal has strong backing from STAN and KDU-ČSL members, some MPs, including Jiří Mašek (ANO), question its link to national security. Others, like Olga Richterová, suggest exceptions should apply, such as for Russians unable to renounce their citizenship due to restrictions by the Russian regime.
Potential Implications
If passed, the law would tighten citizenship rules for Russian nationals while preserving existing citizenships. However, debates continue over balancing security concerns with individual rights and fairness for applicants facing challenges in renouncing Russian citizenship.