Prague, Jan 2 (CTK) – The public Czech Television (CT) and Czech Radio (CRo) started broadcasting presidential candidates’ spots yesterday morning, in which some of them protest against President Milos Zeman without naming him, also promising change.
Others unveil their programme, using the support of their families and followers.
Under the law on presidential election, CT and CRo must provide five hours of their broadcasting time for each of the registered presidential candidates before the first round of the election to be held on January 12-13, 2018, and another hour before the possible second round to be held two weeks later.
Zeman has said he will not take part in the election campaign.
The time designated for him is filled by his old photo, a view at the snow-covered Prague Castle, the seat of Czech heads of state, and the text “Zeman Again in 2018.” The clip is accompanied by the opening fanfare from Libuse, the Czech national opera.
Former Science Academy chairman Jiri Drahos tries to convince the voters by a video showing his meetings with voters and journalists and his public performances.
Drahos tells the voters they may be considering whom to elect as their president. “Will you decide for what you know or do you prefer something new?” he asks, unveiling his plans of the future of the Czech Republic.
Another of the election favourites, businessman and lyricist Michal Horacek, answers the question why people should vote for him in his election spot. He says because he is not on friendly terms with either politicians or businesspeople.
“I have always paid more attention to your wishes and worries,” Horacek says in the clip comprised of photos from his meetings with voters and ending with his promise to “always fight for decent people.”
Physician and activist Marek Hilser has released clips with shots from his work in hospital and at university and from meetings with citizens as well as his family and friends.
Hilser says in the clip that he arrived at the view that it does make sense to try and change things for the better.
He promises to return trust among people and to bring “our hearts” to the Prague Castle.
“No one has bought me. Since I do not spend gifts for millions, I do not have to repay them to anyone,” Hilser said.
Former Civic Democrat (ODS) chairman and prime minister Mirek Topolanek uses the recordings featuring him along with former U.S. president Barack Obama.
He says in his clip that Czech society is divided into two irreconcilable camps and people are afraid, which demands change and the courage to implement it.
Former head of the Skoda car maker Vratislav Kulhanek highlights his successes in his work career and promises respect to work and hard-working people. In his clip, he is backed by his followers, including climber Petr Mares and car racer Ladislav Krecek.
Defence and Security Industry Association President Jiri Hynek is supported by his wife in the election spot. She speaks about his virtues, good features of character and successes.
Former ambassador to France Pavel Fischer uses the recordings of his meeting the public. He says the next president must protect the family, help the weak, enhance the nation’s confidence and embellish the country.
“Our nation must return to the map of the world and I know how to do this,” Fischer said.
Musician and producer Petr Hannig unveils his programme in the clip. He promises to listen to others and to find the solutions good for citizens. He says he wants to protect the Czech crown.
