Return of the Communist regime to the Czech Republic is still a threat even 20 years after its fall, Mirek Topolanek, leader of the center-right Civic Democratic Party, (ODS), said at the opening of the international conference “20 Years Later”.
“The society of freedom still has some cracks, it is fragile and vulnerable. The public sphere is mainly to blame,” said Topolanek, prime minister in 2006-2009.
Problems are caused not only by politicians, but also by courts and the media. The civic sphere, that includes private businesses and small tradespeople, has made the biggest progress since the fall of the totalitarian regime, cited Czech press agency Topolanek.
Hope for new generation
Many problems of Czech society, not existing in Western countries, have their origin in totalitarian thought, ingrained in people. “As a result, I do not primarily see any hope for the future in economic and political achievements, but in the new generation,” he added.
Topolanek attacked the rival Social Democrats (CSSD). He highlighted the coalitions of the Social Democrats with the Communists in some regional governments and warned of a similar coalition on the national level after the elections next year. The Social Democrats have repeatedly dismissed the idea.
The international conference “20 Years Later” is staged by the Institute for the Studies of Totalitarian Regimes.
