Vladimír Dlouhý, the current head of the chamber, former minister of industry and former presidential candidate, is once again seeking the mandate, which is for three years. He has a single challenger, the vice-president of the Bořivoj Minář Chamber.
–
“It’s an honor for HK”
The situation in the chamber worsened in the spring, when the government nominated Dlouhý for the position of Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Three vice presidents of the chamber, including the Minister, called it a conflict of interest.
–
“We refuse to allow Vladimír Dlouhý to hold the position of President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce when, at the same time as sanctifying the government, he is running for the post of Secretary General of the OECD,” the vice-presidents wrote at the time.
–
But Dlouý refuses to criticize. “Government nominations were not born in my head. In the second half of last year, I was approached by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I decided to accept it after much deliberation, “he told Práva.
–
From a legal point of view, according to him, this is not a conflict of interest. “We have an opinion signed by a member of the Legislative Council of the Government. It is an honor for the Chamber of Commerce when its president is nominated for such a high international position, “defends Dlouhý.
–
However, he wants to continue working for the chamber at least until a decision is made about his possible departure to the OECD. Its new secretary is due to take office for a five-year term on June 1 next year.
–
“If I am elected, the most important thing is for the chamber to cooperate or be in constructive opposition with the government and parliament to restart the Czech economy while overcoming the consequences of the crisis. This will be the most important task for at least the next two years, “Dlouhý told Práva.
–
“I would also like to ensure that all changes that concern entrepreneurs take place after prior negotiations and agreement with the other regional chambers. In order not to be in the state, “Minář told Práva and leaned back into his juice, adding that he has the advantage over Dlouhý in that he can be more emphatic in negotiations with the government.
–
If he is elected to head the OECD, Dlouhý will leave the leadership of the chamber. “From a working point of view, the performance of these two functions is not compatible, I would resign at the parliament in May 2021,” Dlouhý added.
–
It was rumored in the corridors that, in view of the nomination for the OECD, he should join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the autumn. However, both Dlouhý and the ministry denied this.
—
