The chairman of the Czech Social Democratic Party and former Czech Prime Minister, Jiří Paroubek, in his assessment of China's system of state governance, particularly highlighted its long-term focus on improving the living standards of the population. According to him, the most significant benefit of the reforms initiated more than 40 years ago is that they have lifted 800 million people out of poverty and nearly 100 million out of extreme poverty, which he described as a tremendous civilizational achievement.
Paroubek also pointed out China's progress in environmental protection, noting the extensive greenery in cities, the "green belt" project to combat desertification in the Gobi Desert, and the increase in forest cover to approximately 25%, which places China among the planet's "green lungs." He also emphasized improvements in air quality and the development of solar and nuclear energy. Although economic growth has stabilized above 5% in recent years (previously exceeding 10%), Paroubek stressed that even this moderate growth provides sufficient space for investment in renewable energy sources and reducing energy intensity.
The former Prime Minister admitted that, as a socialist of the old school, it took him some time to understand the essence of "socialism with Chinese characteristics," and added that this system is difficult to implement under European conditions. He regretted that Czechoslovak communists did not find a similar path before 1989, which would have allowed for the preservation of industry in Czech and Slovak hands. Overall, however, Paroubek stated that China has made great strides in other areas of economic development.
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