The first direct presidential election in the Czech Republic started at 14:00 today.
Keep your finger crossed for Vladimir Franz.
If none of them receives over 50 percent of the vote in the first round, the two candidates with the highest support will advance to the second round that will be held two weeks later.
Prof. Vladimír Franz JurD. Public candidate
Vladimír Franz was born on May 25th, 1959 in Prague as the son of an electrical engineer and a nurse. His interest in art might have been predestined by his pedigree. His mother‘s grandfather was the uncle of the world-renowned artist Jiří Trnka.
After graduating from secondary school, Franz studied at the Faculty of Law at the Charles University in Prague from 1978 to 1982. At the same time, he attended courses in painting with Karel Souček and Andrej Bělocvětov, composing with Miroslav Raichl and Vladimír Sommer, history of art with Jaromír Homolka and history of music with Jaromír Kincl. In the early 80’s he became a co-founder, stage and stage set designer and composer at the Kytka theatre.
He obtained his diploma at the Faculty of Law but he decided not to pursue the career of a lawyer. Practicing the totalitarian law did not interest him. Franz was drawn to art and to his will to succeed doing it as he perceived art as an oasis of independence amidst the socialist desert. His dream was rather problematic to achieve without having the formal education that was required by the establishment and especially without being a member of certain organizations. For this reason Franz began to make living by doing manual labour. In the mid-80’s, he got a job in apprentice education where he attempted to positively influence the so-called “problematic and socially unsteady youth”.
He became a professional artist at the Workmen’s Theatre in Most (Western Bohemia) where he got the position of a répétiteur and composer and work together with a group of graduates from the theatre academy in Prague led by the director Zbyněk Srba.
His current work constitutes being the head of the Cabinet of Stage Music at the Prague Academy of Performing Arts. He is also a lecturer at the Film Academy in Prague. He lectured also at the Film Academy in Brno. On October 15th, 2004 he was granted the title of Professor at the Academy of Music for the field of Performing Arts – Dramaturgy of Dramatic Theatre.
He is a six times laureate of the Alfred Radok Award (1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 a 2007), Theatrical Newspaper Award (2001) and OSA Award (2011).
Vladimír Franz is divorced and has one daughter. His current partner is a photographer Ida Saudková.
He owns a flat at Smíchov in Prague and a house in South-Western Bohemia that is being renovated and serves as an atelier.
He speaks Czech, English and Russian.
Relationship to body art:
Body art has been known to us for millennia. In addition to its original spiritual and ritual function, we must not forget its aesthetic function. Of course, aesthetic taste is a personal stance of every free individual. Body art is a manifestation of free will that does not limit other people’s liberties. It is a permanent and unchangeable decision that shows that you are determined to defend your views and you do not change them overnight. I am aware that there will always be many questions regarding this topic. I only want to stress out that my tattoo is a result of a long-term conception rather than a manifestation of a sudden whim.
Answer to the question: Everybody who has met you and learnt about your intended candidacy probably asked themselves the following question: ‘What impact would your “unconventional” appearance have on the international political scene?’ What is your view on this issue? Do you think a tattooed face goes together with the presidential function? Taken from an interview for novinky.cz, Aug. 2nd, 2012:
Judging people only based on their appearance, their wrapping? The most important is what dwells underneath, isn’t it? We would have to think very poorly of other politicians or statesmen if we were to assume that my face would disqualify me from negotiating with them. I have met many of them thanks to my work and I did not notice anything peculiar. 10 reasons to support prof. Vladimír Franz JurD.: He is a candidate nominated by the public. The idea to participate in the presidential election did not originate in his head but it was a thoroughly considered reaction to the demand from the people unsatisfied with the current political situation and with the existing offer of candidates.
He has never been a member of any political party, he’s not going to become a member of any and he does not feel obliged to anybody from the political sphere.
He has no discrediting bonds to either the political scene or to any economic structures.
He is not connected to any corruption affair.
He is a well-educated and tolerant person without prejudices.
He is able to listen and debate, his opinions have been consistent on a long-term basis.
Increasing education and culture-consciousness of society is one of his priorities.
He wants to base his campaign on topics related to general morality, interpersonal relationships, and the dignified and self-confident position of the Czech Republic in the world.
He cares about the future of the country where he was born, grew up and studied in; the country where he now lives and works. He feels a sense of patriotism and hence he refuses to remain passive.
In the event of his election he is not planning to create an independent centre of power. He wants to guarantee fair behaviour and acting on principles in the parliament as well as plain human decency.
Who is Vladimír Franz: A citizen of Czech republic
Graduate of the Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague
Professor at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU)
Czech visual artist and composer
A person sensitive to injustice
A person with a sense of humour
A person with deep relationship to nature
A person who has never stopped educating himself, expanding his knowledge and skills
A person able to listen to others
A person who is not indifferent to the destiny of country where he was born, grew up and studied, country where he lives and works
Who is Vladimír Franz not: He has never been a member of any political party
He has never been a part of any interest groups that would strive to seize political power from the backstage.
He has never been involved in any overpriced public procurement.
He has never been an extremist.
Professor Franz’ opinions on: Education: Answer to the question: "As an educator, what do you think about Czech education? Is it in decline?" (interview for Česká pozice, Aug. 20th, 2012)
Education is one of our most precious treasures. It would be great if our society realized this and didn't perceive it as something negligible - as a decorative accessory.
Presidential office: In case I am granted the presidential nomination and get elected as the president, I would like to face the presidential duties with maximal responsibility.
Exercising Presidential Powers: Appointment of the Prime Minister:
I would respect the results of any free and democratic elections. Nevertheless, I would insist on the cabinet being democratic and professionally competent, a cabinet that will issue guarantees of political and social stability and continuation of democratic progress.
Appointment of the committee for the Czech National Bank:
This presidential power is one of the few that is not subjected to any further consultation or contra-signature from other constitutional organs. I would consult the decision with professionals from the academic field and with the people working in the sphere of national economy.
Appointment of judges to the Constitutional Court:
The nomination of the chairman and vice-chairmen is subjected to the consent of the Senate. I would lead a discussion about the nominated candidates not only with the chairman of the higher chamber of the Parliament but also with the members of all fractions represented there. The intention and purpose of such conversations would be to reach an agreement on the nomination of individuals with high professional and moral value and no political bias.
Nomination of the chairman of the Supreme Court:
Is also the jurisdiction of the president, I would apply the same professional and personal criteria as in the case of the Constitutional Court.
Presidential Veto:
I would exercise this power only if I had serious doubts about the law being in accordance with the Czech Constitution and the legal system.
Presidential Pardon:
I would strictly consider the applicant’s social and health conditions, the character of the crime and recommendations of the Ministry of Justice.
Interview questions and answers:
Answer to the question: "Czech president?" (interview for Česká pozice Jul. 23rd, 2012)
Above all, it is the struggle for humanity of the state which is now virtually non-existent and also the struggle for humanity of the people, otherwise we will drown in a moral swamp.
Answer to the question: "According to you, what is the president's main role?" (interview for
ihned.cz Aug. 1st, 2012)
The role of the Czech president isn't as executive as for example in France or the United States. The function is more symbolic. T. G. Masaryk offered the nation a vision and a perspective. He created hope that all hardships could be overcome. Aside from constitutional duties, the president needs to act as a harmonizing element in times of constitutional crises, for instance. However, I wouldn't confuse it with the role of the Prime Minister.
Answer to the question: "What would you like to focus on as the president?" (interview for ihned.cz Aug. 1st, 2012)
A slightly detached view and the awareness of things being connected is crucial. We seem to have given up on education. As a composer, I feel it. The music section of any newspaper occupies itself merely with concert venues of popular bands. If someone writes a symphony, he is out of luck. It seems as if we prefer comic books to novels. When the young hockey players died in a plane crash, it was, of course, a tragedy and there was rightly a mourning gathering at the Old Town Square. However, the death of professor Holý was more significant in regard to the human race and not many people seemed to have noticed.
Answer to the question: "What would you like to bring into politics as the president?" (interview for
novinky.cz Aug. 2nd, 2012)
The ability of constant renewal of life perception that most politicians seem to lack. Most importantly, I would like to possess the energy to maintain such ability myself for as long as I can.
Parliamentary Immunity
I endorse restriction of legislators’ immunity merely to activities taking place on the grounds of the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate of the Czech Republic.
Corruption
I find all forms of corruption unacceptable and I feel rather bewildered when I read about overpriced public spending and organized crime growing into the public sector. I am not calling for a police state, we’ve had enough of that. However, the police and the prosecutor’s office should constitute self-confident institutions and courts should be independent. Only then the institutions will have my support.
Presidential Amnesty
I ponder on amnesty but I cannot and do not want to promise anything in advance. If I said now: “If I get elected, I will grant amnesty to such and such”, it would be highly irresponsible. It might be seen as an appeal to committing petty crimes (petty crimes used to be commonly subjected to amnesty) because everything is going to be forgiven.
Answer to the question How would you exercise the institute of presidential pardon? (Interview for Česká pozice, Aug. 20th, 2012):
Presidential pardon seems like a feudal residue – sort of a deifying institute, divine power, deus ex machina. The most important thing about the decisive process regarding presidential pardons is the human factor. I probably would not want to restrict it, I would leave it in the form as it is now. It always depends on the president’s personality how he /she manages to deal with it. I believe every pardon should be consulted, for instance, with the Minister of Justice. By all means, it is a power that should be exercised with great caution and only in exceptional cases.
Budget Policy of the Czech Republic
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere – As much as any president would wish for a balanced or even surplus budget, he/she must remain realistic. Budget forming and maintaining are the duties of the Cabinet and the Minister of Finance. Necessary measures that should lead to a decrease in the state indebtedness must be justifiable and clearly explained to the public. Unfortunately, this effort will be quite problematic as we are living in a situation when substantial amounts of information regarding suspiciously expensive public spending are leaking out. We are talking billions of CZK here.
Political Culture
In terms of political culture we have a lot to catch up with. It is closely connected to culture and cultivation of people as such. It encompasses the general state of society. How we treat one another, our surroundings and the environment. In this area, the president should be more than just a symbol.
Extremism
I admit that, from today’s perspective, I was probably naive when I called upon the new establishment to seriously consider the issue of “underground youth” in the era of sprouting freedom in the early 90s. Specifically, those whom I had in mind were the individuals inclining to radicalization but there was still hope to cut them off the tendency to right-wing extremism. That was the logical motivation for my presence in that environment at the time. I acknowledge it as my personal mistake but not a moral failure, that is all.
Answer to the question Were you a skinhead? (interview for Česká pozice, Aug. 20th, 2012):
I was interested in the behaviour and acting of people among various social groups. I began my explorations in the more untamed areas of the society. In Most (a town in Northern Bohemia), I lived together with the Roma minority and I would accompany them to the coal mines. After the presidential amnesty, I spent some nights with the newly released convicts at the main train station in Prague. If you ask me, I was doing a sociological field research. When Dostoyevsky was writing The Brothers Karamazov, he was also living among the revolutionaries and anarchists but it did not mean that after he returned home he was making bombs and printing flyers claiming to do away with the Tzar.
To get back to your question. At the beginning of the 90s, the music groups were sharing musicians. The scene had not been philosophically divided yet. A record called “Rebelie – Punk and Oi!” contained songs by a punk band named Plexis as well as songs by Orlík (right-wing affiliation) or Tři sestry. On top of that, Psí vojáci performed with them from time to time. I am not attempting to justify for that but the identity and ideology of the individual movements were not as clear-cut as nowadays. Of course later on, it turned out to be a massive pickle and so I backed out of it.
EU and Euro
I consider myself a Euro-realist. The Czech Republic should be a self-confident EU member enforcing its interests that is able to find reliable partners and allies among the other member states. Europe is facing grave economic difficulties and getting past them will be neither cheap nor easy. What is crucial (for me and hopefully also for our country), is the fact that the unified Europe prevented its nations from fighting each other for 67 years. We mustn’t forget that.
Introducing the Euro in the Czech Republic is not my priority.
Answer to the questions What is your vision of the Czech foreign policy? Where is our place in the EU? (interview for Česká pozice, Aug. 20th, 2012):
I perceive the EU as a cover term for an intellectual concept that has been with us ever since the era of Jiří z Poděbrad (Bohemian king ruling 1458-1471, he is considered the pioneer in thoughts on the EU). We must realize the dreadful nature of the wars taking place in Europe in the first half of the 20th Century. With the exception of former Yugoslavia we have seen here hardly any conflicts at all ever since. However, seen from the perspective of the general public, many questions arise as to why certain issues are so immensely complicated – e.g. Since the Canary Islands are the leading exporter of fresh tomatoes, why should their local supermarkets offer frozen tomatoes from Bulgaria. Metaphorically speaking, why should we import pineapples from Norway or ice from Sicily? Another question is whether the EU does not act in favour of the stronger members at the expense of the smaller and weaker ones. I seriously do not understand why the EU should be interested in the ingredients of a goulash served in some little town in Western Bohemia. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the underlying idea of the EU is good. I am discontented only with minor particularities.
Situation in the Middle East
We have to realize that the Czech Republic in not a global player in terms of foreign policy. However, it can help unravel the situation in the Middle Eastern region by supporting political and diplomatic solutions that will lead to ceasefire and, hopefully to a civilized, peaceful and democratic development in the region.
Church Restitutions
I agree with the separation of church and state. I believe that what was stolen once should be returned or at least compensated for. On the other hand, I am hesitant to claim that the process should be rushed the way we can see it at the present moment.
Answer to the question What is your opinion on Church Restitutions? (interview for Česká pozice, Aug. 20th, 2012):
The proposal on property compensation between the state and churches should have been explained to the public more clearly and put into proper context because it is a very painful topic. It is necessary to rectify the injustice that the Communist regime committed to the churches and monastic orders. Nevertheless, it is crucial to carry the process out according to clearly defined and transparent rules lest the whole effort be turned against the churches themselves. Our society historically maintains a peculiar relationship to churches. For some time now it has been defined as “us” against “them”. It is truly very unusual. The spiritual dimension of our country does not lie in people going to confession. However, there are certain rules of behaviour and personal interaction. We have to focus on behaviour of common people, culture and spiritual overlap of each of us.
National Library
I didn’t and still don’t see any problem in construction of the National library designed by the world-renowned architect Jan Kaplický. I believe that structures of such high artistic value can only bolster the image of the Czech Republic as a very culture-conscious country.
Cannabis Legalization
I am for tapping the healing effect of hemp. I am against criminalizing its use. However, I oppose its being distributed among the youth and the same applies to alcohol. I agree that people who use it while driving or during an activity demanding increased attention should be prosecuted.
Campaign and its Financing
I do not suppose my campaign will be lavish and financially demanding. I strongly doubt the effect of e.g. billboards. I rely on the initiative Vladimir Franz for President, on volunteers recruited from my supporters who will collect the signatures, on social networks and last but not least I rely on myself. If the media prove to be objective and stop persuading voters that everything has been decided already, then I will also rely on the media.
Candidacy
For a very long time, I have been claiming that all human beings should use the ludicrously short time given to us as effectively as possible. We have to strive to constantly cultivate and improve ourselves and let the personality evolve. The path is not straight, there are many obstacles but it is gravely important to keep moving (ever so slowly and crookedly) and never come to a halt. I am an extremely slow walker. I have loaded a substantial burden on my back, some things matured already, others will mature soon but there are certain things that will never mature – that is the risk. Anyway, I have always tried to prevent myself from jumping to hasty conclusions, seeking fast simplistic solutions and yokel but effective anecdotes. I have always strived to experience a broadest and most intensive feeling of connection and continuity, to seek the link between nature, history and mankind in relation to time passing because I also want to be a part of something and to belong somewhere. I know from my own experience that behind certain thoroughly elaborated conceptions there are hiding solutions that we know nothing about and we couldn’t even conceive of them – the hidden solutions are usually much more interesting than the visible ones. It is important to make a decision and attempt to look at the world with a fresh pair of eyes every day. If necessary, do a headstand to see the world from a different perspective. My whole life, I have been trying to describe the world by means of music and visual art. I found out about the Initiative Vladimir Franz for President when I was working in my atelier disconnected from the civilization and I considered it a joke because I had never craved any public office. It turned out that the matter started to speed up. It may be a challenge and the time may have come to look for different ways, who knows. Only a very suspicious individual could claim that he/she is prepared for everything. All people cannot be pleased equally but at the same time it is impossible to disappoint everybody.
Current News:
Pussy Riot Trial
The case of Pussy Riot is analogous to the trial with the Plastic People (Czech underground band formed in 1968). The representatives of Russia, in defiance of their proclamations about democracy, clearly signalled to the world that they are actually heading back to the only historically functional form of exercising power over Russia – tsarist autocracy. Pussy Riot are becoming a symbol reminding all democratically thinking people on the planet that liberty cannot be taken for granted, there is a constant struggle for it that might take forever.
Prague Pride
I do not want to deprive anyone of the right to express their opinion but it is my civic duty to strongly object the attacks carried out against the Prague Pride parade. I see them as more or less successfully concealed manifestations of homophobia and inducing fear of anything dissimilar. We live in a free society in which everybody has an inalienable right to being different as long as he/she does not curtail or endanger rights and freedoms of others. Prague Pride seemed nothing like that to me.
Do you want to ask Vladimir a question?
It might have been answered already – Public Candidate Answers. If you did not find the answer you were looking for, contact us volby@vladimirfranz.cz
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