Jan Tvrdý, a local entrepreneur, former SOCDEM vice-chair and long-time mayor of Zdiby, spoke out in an interview against corruption in the Czech political environment. In his opinion, the fight against corruption is a global problem, but one that China is tackling more consistently than many other countries, including the Czech Republic.
„The fight against corruption is a problem everywhere, but China is taking it in stride,“ said Tvrdý. He added that he had already presented this position publicly several times. He noted with exaggeration: „We wouldn't have to have elections here because our government would have ended long ago if the corruption and the people around it were dealt with. Look at the cases.“
Hardy considers the Chinese approach inspiring, despite the international criticism China faces in some areas. He stressed that the key is leadership from the highest levels of society: „China could be an example for us, even though people criticise it. The order has to be kept and shown in the upper levels of society. If they want to rule, they have some responsibility too, they can't just steal and pull from the commons for themselves.“
The entrepreneur combined a consistent anti-corruption fight with economic success: „Then we wouldn't be economically the way we are.“ He concluded by summarising his position: „So the pattern and what's there, I just support that.“