Pardubice will once again explore the possibilities of relocating the statue of the Red Army soldier

Pardubice - The city of Pardubice will again examine the possibility of relocating the statue of the Red Army soldier. It stands in the square in the center, and the goal is to find a more historically appropriate location for it. The city hall wants to renovate the square without the statue from the 1950s, the city hall stated in a press release. The relocation of the statue has been discussed repeatedly in the past.

The Liberation Memorial from 1957 is located at Republic Square near St. Bartholomew's Church. It is by the academic sculptor Josef Malejovský and depicts a Red Army soldier with a weapon in hand. Underneath him stands a girl with outstretched arms holding a wreath. On the sides are pioneers standing guard.

Pardubice aims to repair and transform Republic Square in the coming years, with the transformation including greenery and parking near the Green Gate, the church, the underpass, and the bank. People would like, for example, a fountain there.

"The relocation of the statue would also be the first step toward revitalizing this area. The memorial is located in a spot that offers a beautiful view of the castle and its tower, so we are considering adding something that would enhance this view. I can certainly imagine a more dignified place and a more dignified execution and commemoration of those who fell for our homeland," said councilor and proponent of the proposal František Brendl (Together for Pardubice).

The city has a decision from the Ministry of Culture stating that the memorial does not exhibit significant artistic or art-historical values; therefore, it was also removed from the list of cultural monuments.

"We certainly do not want to demolish the statue; after all, it is a reminder of an important part of our history. On the other hand, it is located in a place that has really great potential, which could be utilized differently and integrated into the concept of transforming Republic Square that the city is preparing. I can imagine, for example, an artistic depiction of someone from the Pernštejn family in this space," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO).

The first attempts to remove the statue of the Red Army soldier were made as early as 1968. Current advocates for relocating the memorial, which has the status of a war grave, propose moving it to the municipal cemetery.