Miloslav Humpolíček in a conflict with bicycling advocates (source: Česká televize)
Last weeks have brought news so odd that it makes me wonder: has the town council of Brno changed their approach since the Velvet Revolution? Actually, has it changed anyhow since the sunset of feudalism?
Local representative Miloslav Humpolíček has tried to run over protesting bicycle activists peacefully blocking his parking lot. They did it to point to the irony that while members of town council can park their cars right in the historical centre, riding a bike through the streets of downtown Brno is prohibited as “too dangerous”. (see a video)
The family of deputy mayor Ladislav Macek has built a swimming pool, a sporting place and an arbour next to their weekend house – without having a building permit. However, Macek is superior to the town’s Office of planning and his family is trying to change the land-use plan to legalize the changes to the weekend house. No problem. (source)
My favorite one: The town council has decided to stop financially supporting any institutions suing it (source). So, if you are organising a festival or running a non-profit, you’d better shut up and not to point to any misdeeds commited by the omnipotent local politicians.
More bits: activist Hana Chalupská got an admonishment for putting up a table with a petition at Náměstí svobody sq. (source). Town’s employee Radmila Schätzelová has been giving permits to casinos even though they were closer to scholls than is allowed by law, claiming that she had no idea how to recognize a school (source). Mayor Roman Onderka got a bachelor degree for a thesis so weak that its consultant got fired, however Onderka is still using his Bc. degree (source). The town-owned public transport company lost its internet domain, which is now owned by a fan of local transport (source). Facepalm!
Do you have similar experiences with local politicians in your hometown? Have you overcome them? How?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I dont wonder at all.
in every cities and every countries, politicians (no matter the political party they belong) have lost contact with reality, with people, with legality.
Saturday 15-10-2011 few people (compared to the total number of people living on the planet) protested also for this reason.
With honest politicians ‘economical crisis’ wouldnt have been generated by banks and lobbies.
we are 99% dont let the 1% to abuse of us!
+1 with Pedro.
It’s the same everywhere in the world:
Poltician/administration (and i insist :no matter the political party they belong to) first works for there own profit / long term subsistance and then after they work for you.
Paradoxically main problems are coming from the fact that politics/administration controls too many aspect of life, so they do it bad, are corrupted , don’t even respect there own f@cking rules.
I am agree with Pedro as well.
This corruption and individual course over personal benefit are everywhere.
But I am feeling a bit sad because it seems here as in some others countries/cities, no one matters and nothing is done to fight against this or just to speak about that in some way that all people will know about how its going on.
I was in the protest meeting this saturday. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed as the political aspect of this meeting was in my point of view so far away. I asked some people and so many of them even did not know why it was for.
Lets fight against this system by information thanks to alternative media, communication, meeting and ACTION!!!
This level of corruption is not everywhere-saying that just excuses the sickness that lies at the heart of Czech society. Corruption is rampant from the smallest local level up to the President, and no-one seems to want to face up to it or do anything about it. The first thing for Czechs to do is stop saying ‘Oh well it’s like this everywhere’. Housing associations are corrupt, police are, councillors are. Mayors are, lawyers, judges, universities, politicians, town hall officials and on and on….Stop blaming communism and get real about the problem. THe real problem is passivity and inertia – that’s the real disease.
I love Brno but the corruption and anti-Roma racism makes me sick. Reading your blog reminds me these things are not universal or universally tolerated. Keep it up. It’s important.
Fuck the CENSORSHIP.
I would not expect it especialy here …
Poverty.
Im glad to see young Czech people are fighting for what they believe in. I think their method, blunt sarcasm and in your face attitude, has the potential to be effective. Unfortunately, politicians rule the world, have lots of money and there are a million other people who will follow them if you wont…..