Radek Vondráček, Vice-Chairman of the ANO 2011 movement, Chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, believes that it is necessary to support the new USA and be its visible ally.
What has been the most pressing issue in the Chamber of Deputies recently?
Definitely the topic of increasing television and radio fees. This debate brought the Chamber to a standstill for several days. The opposition is openly obstructing the proceedings, and the coalition will once again resolve the voting on March 5 by “bending” the rules of procedure. Meanwhile, we haven‘t even had a chance to debate whether increasing the fees is the only possible solution or if we should consider merging these two institutions or improving financial oversight instead. We completely overlook how much the media landscape has changed and how the role and importance of new independent media projects on the internet are growing. This fundamentally changes the significance and reach of television broadcasting. In my circles, I often hear people say, “I don’t watch Czech Television at all.” The introduction of a new, essentially universal tax understandably provokes negative reactions.
You are the Chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee. What are your main concerns there? Most proposals from the Ministry of the Interior and almost all from the Ministry of Justice are discussed in our committee. It is difficult to single out the most important issue, but I consider all laws related to elections in this country to be crucial. Right now, we are reviewing a new law on political party election campaigns. You may have heard that the ministry proposes allowing an office in Brno to fine parties for offensive or false campaign statements. Of course, no one wants false or offensive campaigns, but allowing bureaucrats to decide on this within fair and free elections is a terrible idea. Another major change is the proposal to allow political parties to accept financial donations from other EU countries. That really sets off my internal alarm bells! We’ll see how it all turns out.
How do you respond to the fact that ANO has filed several complaints against government decisions with the Constitutional Court, but none have been upheld so far?
That is not entirely accurate. Recently, the Constitutional Court struck down part of the conflict-of-interest law at our request–this was an amendment proposed as a “rider” by Pirate Party MP Jakub Michálek. However, you are otherwise correct. The most disappointing ruling was when the court rejected our objections regarding the pension reform bill. Just reading the dissenting opinion of some constitutional judges, who had a different view, shows that the decision was not a good one–to put it as diplomatically as possible.
Let‘s move abroad. What do you think of the actions of Donald Trump‘s new administration? Did Vice President Vance‘s speech in Munich impress you?
I am certainly not the only one who found the U.S. Vice President’s speech compelling. For years, we have been listening to prefabricated speeches following a uniform Brussels script, and suddenly we hear a speech with substance and a fantastic message about defending freedom of speech. Europe is undoubtedly on a downward trajectory when it comes to freedom–restrictions are tightening, and verbal expressions are being criminalized. And suddenly, in this darkness, the USA shines as a beacon of freedom. This light is glaring even in the eyes of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, the architects of a new form of normalization in the Czech Republic.
Do you believe that a policy of systematically fulfilling promises can influence the European Union and the Czech Republic?
I already see this influence now. Many Czech politicians are commenting on the new U.S. policy. What is interesting is that from Prague Castle and government circles, there is outrage. They are terribly irritated by the defense of free speech and the desire for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine. In doing so, they harm both the Czech Republic and Ukraine, which needs to live, not slowly perish. However, the EU has a chance, together with the USA, to make the world a better place. Let’s seize this opportunity! For the Czech Republic, this is the obvious choice.
How do you perceive the current events in Slovakia?
I deeply apologize to Slovakia for the hysterical outbursts of certain Czech politicians and artists. It is unacceptable to stoop to the level of chauvinists who inflate themselves with a sense of superiority over another nation. This is simply wrong. It does not belong in the West, and it does not belong in any decent society. However, let me clarify–most people in the Czech Republic are not like this and do not look down on Slovakia.
If ANO joins the government this autumn, will it seek to improve and deepen the slightly frigid relations?
Czechs and Slovaks still have good relations. The only one spreading negative emotions is the government of Petr Fiala and Vít Rakušan. The ANO movement will restore intergovernmental consultations, joint government meetings, and partnerships on the international stage. We will support each other. And I would not hesitate to apologize on behalf of the current government at the first official meeting. I regret the current situation and look forward to improving it.
What will be ANO‘s priority for the upcoming parliamentary elections?
Our ANO movement offers a program based on respect for every citizen–one that supports justice, entrepreneurship, solidarity, freedom, and democracy without adjectives. We want a proud and sovereign Czech Republic–a friendly country and a home for all of us. We want an economically successful Czech Republic that builds international relationships, contributes to peaceful conflict resolution, and is not aggressive toward other countries. We want a Czech Republic that, following Masaryk’s example, stands by the USA and Israel. We want an honorable Czech Republic.
In your free time, you also engage in beekeeping. It‘s said that the bee is the most important creature on the planet. Does beekeeping inspire you to reflect in any way?
Bees are fascinating creatures, and when I “visit with the bees,” I turn off my phone (I’m not as much of a pro as many other beekeepers, so I don’t take off my gloves near an open hive just to answer the phone) and I have time to observe them, think, and clear my mind. They have often inspired me to look at our everyday efforts from a slightly different perspective. My girls are certainly looking forward to spring, but I’m afraid not all of my colonies will make it. Last autumn, only six out of nine survived. All that’s left is to feed them and keep my fingers crossed that they’ll be in good shape come spring.
CV BOX
Radek Vondráček (born December 30, 1973, in Kroměříž) is the Vice- Chairman of the ANO 2011 movement, a Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
He studied at the Faculty of Law at Masaryk University in Brno. He entered politics in 2013 and, after successful parliamentary elections, became an MP. In the autumn of 2017, he led the ANO candidate list in the Zlín Region, receiving the highest number of preferential votes from voters. He also served as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. In February 2019, he was elected Vice-Chairman of the ANO movement.
From 2014 to 2017, he was a councilor and deputy mayor of Kroměříž. After the 2023 elections, he was re-elected as a city councilor based on preferential votes, and in 2024, he was „circled“ from the last spot on the candidate list to become a member of the regional council in Zlín.
He is a Moravian patriot, still living in Kroměříž, where his family has deep roots-his is the fifth generation from his mother‘s side.
He is a big movie fan and a lifelong reader of sci-fi and fantasy literature. He loves animals, folklore, sports, and motorcycling. When time allows, he actively engages in beekeeping and music.
