Czech Presidential Elections 2018: an opportunity for new dynamics?

Until mid-January, nine men will be trying to convince the Czech population that they are the most suitable to run the Presidential office. Their campaigns are currently running at their peak performance. Incumbent President, Miloš Zeman, claims not to be campaigning, however, we may find him on many billboards and selected prescript TV shows. While this is happening, numerous organizations such as Generace s názorem (The Generation with an Opinion) or Jeden svět na školách (One world in Schools) are emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections to young people. Student elections took place in 384 schools with a total number of 43559 valid votes. The candidate with the highest number of votes was by far Jiří Drahoš (33,59%), a physical chemist and ex-President of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Czech students want a new face in the office, but they also want to be an active member of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). History confirms that every change in the country was led by students and Czechs are calling for a change.

Aim to unite the polarized Czech society

During the previous five years, Zeman has done nothing but divide the Czech society. This might not appear on an international scale, but the population diverges in opinions and expectations. He’s not ashamed to use the derogatory term “Pražská kavárna” (The Prague’s café) to designate his opponents from bigger cities, who are actively debating politics in cafés. In the past, this term was used to label the electors of pro-European parties, determined to support Vaclav Havel’s political principles. By labelling his opponents, Zeman is creating a large gap between the “intellectuals from big cities” and the “ordinary people”. Healing this division and uniting the country again is one of the main points of most other candidates such as Pavel Fisher, an experienced diplomat who worked in Havel’s team, as well as the Czech ambassador in France. Zeman’s behavior is one-sided as he does not respect the law and does not apologize when he offends other citizens. Pavel Fisher is offering politeness and decency. Michal Horáček (lyrics writer, entrepreneur, founder of the betting office Fortuna) also has the motivation to be a good leader, even though he admitted that it won’t be an easy task. On the other hand, he also added, that the role of the head of state is to bring people together, not the opposite.

New diplomatic orientation of the country

Many candidates want to bring the Czech Republic back on the map as the heart of Europe. They want to be an active member of the EU. They want us to realize who our true allies are and why a Western orientation is important for the country. They denounce Zeman’s above-standard associations with China and Russia, both authoritative regimes we should not follow as an example. Marek Hilšer, a doctor, activist and humanitarian warns us about Zeman’s aim to “change the course of our foreign policy towards Eastern dictatorships”. Before Xi Jinping’s visit to Prague in July 2016, he took the initiative to write to the Prime Minister (Bohuslav Sobotka at that time), sharing his concern about “the cynical ignoring of China’s violence towards some of its own citizens”, hence disagreeing with this official visit of the Chinese president. With what is happening in the world right now, the Czech Republic should stand up for democracy, and push for the respect of Human Rights. After all, the Czech Republic gained democracy not so long ago, during the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Hence, the nation should have a clear and unanimous voice when it comes to foreign policy.

Pinch of life and energy

It’s not written anywhere, nevertheless an elector with critical thinking skills would say that a good state of health is a crucial condition, when candidating for President. It’s not only necessary to carry out functions, but also to be mentally stable and not susceptible to influence. People want a strong and active President. They want to be represented by a capable leader, who doesn’t need his bodyguards to play the role of caretakers. No drunkenness and no swearing. A dynamic person with precise visions and plans who won’t be afraid to be challenged by his opponents to discuss different points of views. And that’s what silent Miloš Zeman is definitely unable to offer, proven also by his refusal of any campaign or communication before the election. The office would benefit from some vitality and stamina, Czechs deserve to be represented decently.