Prague now keeps its hands off the construction of the new NK

Prague - The city of Prague is now stepping back from the planned construction of the new National Library building in Letná. Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS) told journalists today in response to a CTK inquiry that the matter is with the Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS), and afterwards it will potentially be with the Ministry of Culture, next with the National Library, and only then with the city hall.
The circumstances surrounding the construction of the building according to the controversial design by Jan Kaplický, which won the international architectural competition, have been under consideration for several months by the National Library team and a group of experts. The team did not reach a decision at its final meeting at the end of February, stating that it would wait for the opinion of the antitrust office. It is unclear whether it is possible to announce a public contract based on the results of the international architectural competition.
The ÚOHS has already dealt with the library case twice in the past. The architects who also participated in the competition provided the impetus for the investigation. However, the antitrust office rejected their requests, stating that it is not its jurisdiction to review a competition held according to the rules of the International Union of Architects. A new inquiry was submitted by Deputy Minister of Culture František Mikeš.
The head of the antitrust office, Martin Pecina, stated in today's Hospodářské noviny (HN) that no proceedings are underway, and it may take until Christmas for a response. The office reportedly has never handled a similar case and has asked European officials for advice. A response from Brussels has not arrived. Pecina also mentioned that everyone wants his office to prohibit the construction. According to HN, he is under pressure. However, Mikeš disagrees with this.
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