Tens of thousands of Czechs gathered in Prague’s main square on Sunday to protest the rise of populism and extremism, two days after far-right political movements, fringe groups and the Communist Party staged a protest at the same venue. , reports Reuters.

Under the flags of the Czech Republic, the US, NATO and Ukraine, many expressed support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, in contrast to Friday’s protest, when anti-European Union and anti-NATO organizers called for direct talks with Moscow over gas supplies.

Sunday’s protest carried placards reading “Czech Republic against fear” and “We can handle it,” and the founders of Million Moments for Democracy, the group that organized the event, told the crowd that despite fears about high energy prices and war, the future of democracy is at stake in Ukraine.

“Thank you for coming to face your fear,” the founders of the group addressed the crowd in unison. “It is clear that many people are afraid. However, it is not always bad, fear is a good servant and helps us survive.

As part of the demonstration, there was also a video speech by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, who urged people to stay focused on what is happening in her country.

“We will not allow Russia to drag us or the whole world into darkness,” she said in Ukrainian. “Darkness will never win. Until people turn a blind eye to war, our light will never go out.”

High energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine have put pressure on governments across Europe to moderate rising energy costs for consumers and businesses.

In the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government signed EU sanctions against Russia and took a tough stance on Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. He also adopted a series of measures, including financial aid for companies and caps on electricity prices for households.