Interviews

Karel Havlíček: We are ready to step in on day one

Published: 29. 9. 2025
Author: Šárka Jansová
Photo: archives of Karel Havlíček
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Catching one of the main faces of the ANO movement during the election campaign was no easy task – his days were scheduled down to the minute. In addition to appearances in various debates, he traveled across Prague as the party’s lead candidate, holding public meetings called Karel on Tap, where he chatted with citizens while pouring them draft raspberry soda or beer.

What did you hear most often from Prague residents at these meetings?
From what I hear, the biggest issues for people in Prague are unaffordable housing, transport, high energy prices, and access to services such as nurseries, schools, or dentists. And bureaucracy at offices is an evergreen complaint. We have prepared a plan and detailed steps to change these things. After the current government completely botched the digitalization of the construction permit process, we have prepared a brand-new construction act to speed up permits. That will increase the supply of housing and reduce prices. For energy, we will reduce the regulated price of electricity, which will immediately make power cheaper. We are the only party with a comprehensive economic strategy where all of our measures are laid out.

 

Do people only talk to you about politics, or also about everyday life?
Yes, people often talk to me not only about party politics but also about everyday problems that affect them. Whether it’s energy bills, road repairs, noise, parking, or air quality. I often hear very specific stories, “Mr. Havlíček, this doesn’t work…” or “we can't pay our bills.” People often expect that a politician is not just a speaker, but someone who sees reality and actually does something about it.

 

Are you ready for the workload if ANO ends up forming the government?
Yes, I am ready. I know it will be demanding. There will be a tough fight for voter support, but it is also about having a concrete program, the right people, economic proposals, and solutions for living standards, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For ANO, this is a major responsibility. If we are elected, we want to be effective and not just make promises. We are ready to step in on day one.

 

How do you view the recent meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska?
It was an important first step. I never expected such a meeting could immediately end the war – that would be unrealistic. But it is good that it happened, because it opened a space for dialogue and could become the beginning of the end of the conflict if it is followed by further concrete steps. At the same time, Europe should have been more active earlier – not just a passive bystander, but taking its own initiative. And what I consider absolutely crucial is the role of Ukraine. Ukraine must be a full participant, not an object others negotiate over. Any agreement must respect its interests and security needs.



 

Is it possible at this point to start improving relations with Russia?
Not now. While Russia continues its aggressive attacks on Ukraine, serious discussion of relations is out of the question. The basic condition must be ending the attacks and respecting international law. As long as Russian aggression continues, there is no room for improving relations. Only once Russia ends its aggression and starts respecting the rules can we talk about what relations might look like in the future.

 

The case of bitcoin and Mr. Jiříkovský is still unresolved. How do you feel about it?
The whole case is a huge embarrassment for the Czech Republic abroad. Prime Minister Fiala was still boasting recently about how the country would gain a billion crowns, and now it looks like we will have to pay tens of millions in damages instead. The justice minister was appointed only to cover up this case for ODS, and even in that she completely failed. On top of that, the endless problems with the audit that the government refuses to publish only exacerbate the situation further and show that something is being covered up rather than real accountability being sought.

 

And what about the case of your party colleague Margita Balaštíková?
It is a very unfortunate and personally difficult-to-understand event, if all the information published by the media proves true. I cannot explain how anyone could reach such a breaking point. Politically, though, ANO reacted immediately – within an hour Mrs. Balaštíková was removed from the election ticket and her party membership was suspended. And that is a crucial difference compared to other parties, where politicians cling to their positions even when their failures are obvious.

 

Did you manage to take a vacation with your family?
This year we went on short trips as a family, which was enough for me to recharge. Otherwise, I dedicated the summer to meeting with citizens and entrepreneurs. Every day I had at least two to three meetings, and now in September it’s at least five per day.

 

As a big music fan, did you make it to any concerts?
I went to a few concerts, especially open-air festivals where the atmosphere is great with family or friends. A highlight was Bruce Springsteen’s concert – the energy was incredible. But since politics takes up so much time, I can’t do everything I’d like. Still, music is a great passion of mine. I love rock bands with a story. I enjoy Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen (though he isn’t rock in the strict sense), David Bowie...

 


 

CV BOX
Karel Havlíček (born August 16, 1969, in České Budějovice) is an MP, deputy speaker of the Chamber, and first vice-chair of the ANO movement. 
He graduated in building engineering from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at CTU Prague, earning a Master of Engineering degree. In 1998, he earned his MBA from the PIBS accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University. He finished his PhD in economy and management in 2004 at the Faculty of Business Administration at PUEB, where he also became an associate professor at the Faculty of Finance in 2014.
In 2019, he was appointed minister of industry and trade while also becoming the economic secretary and a year later, the minister of transportation. 
He had only joined the ANO movement as a member in 2021; he was elected the first vice-chair in February 2023 while also becoming the prime minister of the shadow cabinet. He was further elected deputy speaker of the Chamber the same month.
Havlíček is married, he has two children. He speaks English, German, and Russian, and partially Spanish, French, and Chinese. He is an avid fan of rock and folk music.

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