Mushroom: Váňa does not have the right to place the Marian column without consent

Prague – Sculptor Petr Váňa does not have the right to place a replica of the Marian Column from the 17th century in the Old Town Square because he lacks permission from the capital city as the landowner. This was stated by Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) to journalists after a meeting of the capital city's council today. Over the weekend, the sculptor placed a part of the railing of the column in the square, and since then he and his collaborators have been guarding it on site. Váňa believes that he has the right to build it because he has a valid building permit.

The column from the 17th century was toppled by a crowd in 1918 because it was seen as a symbol of the Habsburg monarchy. Discussions about its return have been ongoing since the 1990s. Supporters of its restoration consider it a symbol and a reminder of the defenders of Prague during the Thirty Years' War and a significant Baroque work of art. According to opponents, it is a symbol of Habsburg rule and intolerant reconversion of the country. The Prague council last expressed its opposition to the return of the column in 2017.

According to Hřib, the council's decision clearly declares that Váňa has no right to place the column. "I am very sorry that the efforts to restore the Marian Column are repeatedly accompanied by illegal actions," he stated. He added that even though supporters of the column speak of its placement as an act of reconciliation, their efforts rather incite disputes and divide society.

Váňa's argument that he has a valid building permit does not hold, according to the mayor. "That is just a certificate from the state that the building does not violate fire or health regulations, but what is missing is the essential thing, which is the owner's consent that you simply need if you want to build something on someone else's land," Hřib said. According to him, earlier documents always state that they do not replace the necessity to enter into a lease agreement for the land and that the takeover of the column must be approved by the council.

The sculptor now has a petition stand set up near the already placed part of the balustrade, which does not require any seizure and is protected by the freedom of assembly. On Saturday, the municipal police fined Váňa's brother Tomáš, who began to dismantle the pavement at the historical site of the column. Váňa and his collaborators attempted this at the end of May, but after the intervention of the guards, they had to restore the place to its original condition.