“The mushroom wants to make the Czech capital a shining city on a hill, a beacon of hope for liberals in the whole region, which is slipping into right-wing authoritarianism,” the server comments Politico selection of the mayor of Prague among the most influential people in Europe.
–
They also mention, for example, his inspiration by Václav Havel. According to Politica Hřib, he spent the last two years opposing not only domestic populists, but also Moscow and Beijing. The server praises him above all for his courage: “Even such powers as Germany ignore Chinese human rights abuses, the 39-year-old Mushroom gives the city’s economy a chance against Beijing,” the European newsletter writes.
–
“It is, of course, a great honor for me to be part of the list of the 28 most influential Europeans compiled by the Politico server,” comments the mayor of Prague for Seznam Zprávy. “I approach this with respect and I want people to know that I do not intend to stop in my efforts to move Prague forward,” adds Zdeněk Hřib in response to placing in the prestigious ranking.
–
Politico ranked him among the most influential people in Europe mainly because of his struggle with the Russian and Chinese powers. As a reminder, in October 2019, Boletus terminated its sister agreement with Beijing, China. This is due to the fact that the Chinese side refused to delete the clause on the mandatory recognition of a united China. The agreement with Beijing was approved by its predecessor in the mayor’s chair Adriana Krnáčová (YES).
–
And this is not the only step the Mushroom has taken to show its opposition to human rights abuses in China. The Tibetan flag also flies regularly at the town hall. In September, he accompanied Senate President Miloš Vystrčil (ODS) on a state visit to Taiwan.
–
Mayor Zdeněk Hřib also has extensive experience with Moscow. He had the Pod Kaštany Square, where the Russian embassy is located, renamed Boris Nemtsov Square, after the assassinated Russian opposition party. Together with the mayor of Prague 6 Ondřej Kolář (TOP 09) and the mayor of Reporyje Pavel Novotný (ODS), they faced sharp criticism from Russia. All three also received police protection at the time due to growing threats.
–
But Politico also mentions Hřib’s efforts to create a more sustainable city, including his plans to transform Prague from a “party destination” to a place to live. “I will continue to work to make Prague a free, open, sovereign, dignified and sustainable place to live,” writes Zdeněk Hřib.
–
According to Hřib, “creeping efforts to centralize power” are beginning to manifest themselves in the Czech Republic. He mentions proposals for an amendment to the Building Act, or a tax package, which according to him “financially liquidates local governments”. In cooperation with the mayors of V4 cities, we are now refining our efforts to obtain funding directly from the EU, “adds Hřib and names the possible use of funds for the capital:” Green technological recovery of the economy that kicks us forward, not to a new production line for toast Concludes Hřib.
–
The first 24 names in our # POLITICO28 class of 2021 are out! POLITICO 28 is our annual ranking of the most powerful people in Europe. Click below to register and watch the unveiling of the top 4 live at noon CET.
– POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) December 7, 2020
–
The ranking of the most influential people in Europe is compiled by the Politico server every year. This year, in addition to the mayor of Prague, and thus the only Czech representative, he received, for example, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Johnson, European Commissioner Thierry Breton, British writer JK Rowling, scientists from BioNTech or Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Cichanouska.
–
During Monday, we will learn the absolute winners of the three main categories. Mayor Mushroom is included in the category “Dreamers”. In recent years, European Commissioner Věra Jourová (YES) and MEP Dita Charanzová (YES) have appeared on the Czech representation in the list of the influential newspaper Politico.
—
