In his traditional Christmas message to the nation, President Miloš Zeman
praised the country’s economic successes, citing its stable economic
growth, low unemployment, relatively low state debt, growth in salaries and
old age pensions. He criticized the country’s slow courts, lengthy
administrative procedures and the slow pace of infrastructure construction.
The president took a highly sceptical stand with regard to the ongoing
debate on climate change, which he said had taken on the form of a new
religion. Zeman said temperatures on Planet Earth had fluctuated for
millions of years and he was not convinced that this was due to human
activity rather than the forces of Nature. He advised a cautious and
rational approach, warning that given the measures discussed, Europe could
become an environmental skansen with a low living standard.
Commenting on the anti-government demonstrations that have taken place in
recent months, the president pointed out that governments “came and
went” as a result of free and democratic elections, where the prime
minister’s opponents could voice their stand.