Czech PM, MEP discuss helping “50 Syrian orphans”

The prime minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babis has tasked Czech NGOs with selecting 50 Syrian orphans which the country could help. Following widespread criticism of his refusal to accept 50 child migrants, Czech Radio reported on Saturday (Sep. 22).

Babis met with Czech MEP Michaela Sojdrova, who first floated the idea, and agreed to look into the possibilities. 

However both the prime minister and the MEP interpret the outcome of the meeting differently. Sojdrova says that Babis promised to take in 50 Syrian child migrants if there were no bureaucratic hurdles on the road and if Czech families were willing to give them a home. 

The prime minister maintains that if the MEP manages to produce such a list, it would be best to help the selected children in their home country.

Babis has accused Sojdrova of leading a smear campaign against him ahead of the local and Senate elections due to take place in two weeks’ time.