The journalist recalls that when Svoboda was the chairman of the People’s Party, some people left for Miroslav Kalousko, who co-founded TOP 09.
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“The KDU-ČSL completely broke up with Svobod and they didn’t even get into the Chamber of Deputies. So if today he criticizes the people for having very low preferences, he should remember that time,” notes Fendrych.
In the KDU-ČSL this week, a dispute between Svoboda and the party’s leadership escalated, which publicly distanced itself from his activities, even calling on him to consider his membership. To this, Svoboda responded that he did not intend to resign and considered possible expulsion as Stalinism.
The people made a mistake because they took out a person who was already completely out. Now he is suddenly a ‘negative celebrity’. That’s not smart.
Martin Fendrych
The dispute is intensifying after the case about Svoboda’s interview for the Voice of Europe server surfaced, which has been on the Czech sanctions list since Wednesday. However, Lidovci also have a problem with his other activities, which, according to KDU-ČSL vice-chairman Petr Hladík, do not coincide with those of the party.
Photo with Putin
“Already in 2015, Cyril Svoboda had his picture taken with Vladimir Putin at the table where they celebrate Russia Today, which is obviously a Russian influential organization. And it was after the Russian annexation of Crimea. Personally, I would never go to such a dinner. But Svoboda didn’t just think of it, he went there and had his picture taken,” the political commentator shakes his head.
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“Those photos are circulating today, which means the Russians were very interested in letting everyone know about it. Do not forget that he was not only the leader of the People’s Party, but also a minister several times, even deputy prime minister under Vladimír Špidla. It was a catch for them, not for us today. For us, Freedom no longer means anything politically,” thinks Fendrych.
“The people made a mistake because they took out a person who was already completely out. Now he is suddenly a ‘negative celebrity’. That’s not smart.’
Where they don’t go
According to Fendrych, Svoboda’s explanation of why he agreed to the interview on Voice of Europe is scandalous. He alludes to the ex-minister’s statement that he did not know it was a pro-Russian server.
“When you go for an interview on the ‘hell station’ Voice of Europe, you will probably find out what it is. He said he asked a friend who told him it was fine. But that is completely scandalous. The person who founded the Diplomatic Academy here will ask a friend? That’s laughable. Of course, he should find that out for himself, he should know,” emphasizes the journalist.
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“It’s actually the same as with Russia Today – they don’t go to Voice of Europe. People like Rajchl go there, Cyril Svoboda shouldn’t go there, and he shouldn’t be saying there – but I only got this from other media – that we shouldn’t send weapons to Ukraine,” he points to Svoboda’s alleged statement.
“I think that’s the key that lifted the people up so much. And they are absolutely right. But they should rather have said that they don’t think the same as Svoboda and not talk about exclusion from the party, because people here don’t really understand that,” adds Fendrych.
According to Fendrych, public arguments and exclusion will not help the people, rather it will harm them again. Why? Listen to it now in the audio recording of the program Osobnost Plus by Barbora Tachecí. You will also learn that he went to elementary school with both Svobodov brothers, so they were classmates and friends, but since then their paths have diverged.
