Prague Plans to Honor Karel Schwarzenberg by Renaming Charles Bridge Embankment!
Prague 1 has proposed to name a currently unnamed area of the embankment in Malá Strana, which is situated between Charles Bridge and Liechtenstein Palace, after the late politician and diplomat Karel Schwarzenberg, who sadly passed away in 2023.
The Prague 1 council has given its approval to this initiative; however, the final decision is in the hands of the Prague City Council. They will assess street and square naming suggestions based on advice from local districts and the topographic commission.
Terezie Radoměřská (TOP 09), the mayor of Prague 1 and a relative of Schwarzenberg, highlighted the importance of this location.
“This segment of the embankment is among the most stunning places in our district, located right in the center of Malá Strana, at the base of Charles Bridge,” she remarked. She believes that naming this area would honor Schwarzenberg’s profound ties to Prague 1 while also acknowledging his humble nature.
A significant factor for choosing this location is its practicality. Because the embankment does not currently have an official name, this change would not lead to any administrative issues for local residents.
Jan Schwarzenberg, the head of the noble family and the son of Karel Schwarzenberg, has already given his consent for his father’s name to be used.
Public Support and Opposition
Despite this initiative, the proposal has faced some criticism. Pavel Čižinský and Valerie Talacková (both from the Social Democrats, formerly part of Praha 1 Sobě) voted against it, while Adél Kučera (Greens) chose to abstain. Čižinský raised concerns, stating that Schwarzenberg’s legacy is divisive. “He is a figure who can receive both commendation and condemnation. In my view, this does not warrant naming a public space in his honor,” he explained.
The Process of Naming Public Spaces in Prague
According to Prague’s regulations, anyone can suggest a new name for a street or square. The proposal is initially examined by the relevant district authority, and if it receives approval, it is then sent to the municipal topographic commission.
If the commission is in favor of the name change, it will then be put to a vote by the Prague City Council. It is important to note that, by law, public places cannot be named after individuals who are still living.
