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EU Parliament member Zahradil in Karlovy Vary

15. 7. 2010 / Petr Jánský

There are two kinds of people that frequent the international film festival in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). One type carrying their backpacks, actually there to see films, who sleep in tents, while the other type comes with a wife who is there "to see and be seen" and stay in expensive hotels. The first group pays for everything from the entrance tickets to the movies up to the mineral water they drink, while the second group, oddly enough, pays for nothing. They are there by the invitation of the festival's president, actor Jiří Bartoška, or from Mr. energy (ČEZ) monopoly chief Martin Roman.

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Among the VIP guests belongs even Jan Zahradil, our europarliament member from the Civic Democrats (ODS). He even told news server Aktuálně.cz: "ČEZ certainly paid for the hotel, but I paid from my own pocket for what I've consumed". Just that ČEZ spokesperson Martin Pavlíček said something different: "We don't invite nor offer to cover expenses of any politician in the festival".

Mr Zahradil makes more money than our local members of parliament. It definetly wouldn't be a problem for him to cover his own expenses. Why did he allow his hotel to be paid for by ČEZ? Simply because that's the way it has always been. From the false sponsors affair to the controversial Tuscany affair. Zahradil hasn't realized yet, that some things have changed lately.

Petr Nečas promised during the campaign that he would clean up ODS. That he would get the party rid of "godfathers". That he will put an end to under the table payments and clientelism. Through this episode with Zahradil we can hint at whether he meant his words. In case the new premier won't do anything about it, then he will be sending voters a clear message: ODS hasn't really changed, the ball will go on.

Perhaps the Tax Revenue Office should go ask the festival's organizers where they take all that money that pays for the expenses from Hollywood stars up (or rather down) to their pals from wherever. Every businessperson in this country has to declare their revenues and expenses. I am afraid that some businesspeople are beyond the reach of the Tax Office. That they are above the Law. That this is still a reality. What is allowed to a Big Shot, is not to a John Doe.

Vytisknout

Obsah vydání | Pondělí 2.8. 2010