Czech Labor and Social Affairs Minister gets a haircut at a Romani-owned barbershop to mark World Roma Day

Compared to previous years, this year a number of Czech Goverment politicians sent public greetings to Romani people on World Roma Day. In addition to Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Marián Jurečka chose an unconventional way to wish Romani people well on 8 April this year.
Jurečka got a haircut in Olomouc at Romeo's Barbershop, which was founded by a group of Roma youth. He posted a video of the experience to social media.
"This is World Roma Day. It's a celebration of culture and also a time when we can think about the stereotypes these people often unjustifiably face," Jurečka posted along with the video.
"For example, the guys from Romeo's Barbershop are clear proof that Romani people can work and do want to work. I've been coming to these local guys for several years and I really like how they've managed to work things out. Today they have their own super business in Olomouc," Jurečka posted.
"We always wanted to do this with the boys, to make our own way with the boys, so we gave it a shot," explains a barber in the video as he cuts the minister's hair. After piloting the business in the town of Valašské Meziříčí without much success, they opened a traditional men's barbershop for classic and modern haircuts in the city of Olomouc.
The situation was all the more complicated as the new establishment was opened during the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions on in-person gathering. "It's not doing horribly, and it's not some glorious success. However, it does keep getting better and better," a 25-year-old barber who has been cutting hair since the age of 13 says of the business's success and customer interest.
His colleagues have 20 years of experience cutting hair. "I think it's great. If you don't know where to go for a haircut in Olomouc and the surrounding area, come see these guys. I definitely recommend it," Jurečka closed his non-traditional World Roma Day greeting.
Don't miss:
- More than 3 000 people assembled to celebrate World Roma Day in Ostrava, Czech Republic - footage of performances here
- Czech Deputy Public Defender of Rights: I wish all Romani men and women the very best for their day today, with all my heart!
- Jihlava, Czech Republic flies the Romani flag in honor of World Roma Day
- Czech Prime Minister wishes Romani citizens of the Czech Republic "all the best" on World Roma Day
- David Beňák moves from the Czech Agency for Social Inclusion to direct the Department of Social Integration at the Labor Ministry
- Czech Govt raises minimum levels of income baselines for benefit calculations this month by 10 %, still less than actual inflation
- Czech Police investigate bodybuilder who made death threats against Roma for looking forward to "war in the Czech Republic"
- Civil society members of Czech Govt Roma Council call for solidarity with refugees, 500 Romani children and women have arrived in Czech Republic from Ukraine
Related articles:
- Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights: Roma fleeing Ukraine frequently face discrimination and prejudice
- Michal Mižigár: What myths exist about World Roma Day and what is the reality?
- More than 3 000 people assembled to celebrate World Roma Day in Ostrava, Czech Republic - footage of performances here
- Czech Deputy Public Defender of Rights: I wish all Romani men and women the very best for their day today, with all my heart!
- Jihlava, Czech Republic flies the Romani flag in honor of World Roma Day
- Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová met with Roma students on the occasion of World Roma Day
- European Parliament President warns of growing antigypsyism and sends greetings on World Roma Day
- Czech Prime Minister wishes Romani citizens of the Czech Republic "all the best" on World Roma Day
- RomanoNet representatives meet with Czech Interior Minister and Labor Minister about the Romani refugees from Ukraine
- Romani people worldwide celebrate World Roma Day, 8 April
- Czech Foreign Affairs Ministry announces its readiness to communicate findings of investigation into Teplice case
- EU Fundamental Rights Agency and OSCE say governments must deliver aid to Roma affected by COVID-19 pandemic