Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka attended a reception held to mark the National Holiday of the French Republic to commemorate the Storming of the Basti

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka reminded those present that shared democratic traditions and traditional alliances between the two countries is the foundation on which the Czech Republic and France can successfully build their strategic partnership. The government of the Czech Republic is interested in engaging in intensive political talks with the French government concerning the current challenges faced by Europe and the international community as a whole. The most topical task for modern Europe is to provide support for economic growth and job creation.

“I hope that in the future France will continue to be a country which offers us ideals and inspiration. I am also convinced that a strong friendship between the Czech Republic and France is part of the successful European future for both our countries,” said Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka in his speech.

Today France is commemorating two important anniversaries. Besides the national holiday to mark the Storming of the Bastille, it is also celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of World War One.

Storming of the Bastille

The Storming of the Bastille in Paris took place on Tuesday 14 July 1789. This event is seen in French history as the end of the so-called old regime and the beginning of the Great French Revolution. Although there were only seven prisoners in the Bastille when it was taken, it was a symbol of the despotism of the French monarchy. The Storming of the Bastille caused great social upheaval not just in France, but also in the rest of Europe. Since 1880 the 14th of July has been a state holiday in the French Republic.