Our Corruption

Monday, October 10, 2011, 12.00–13.30, Academy of Sciences

In cooperation with People in Need´s One World it Schools educational program

 

Moderator:

Jan Urban, Journalist, Czech Republic

Panel Discussion:

Ondřej Liška, Chairman, Green Party, Czech Republic

Jaroslav Poláček, TOP 09,Czech Republic

Marie Benešová, Vice-chairman, Czech Social Democratic Party, Czech Republic

Karolína Peake, Vice-chairman, Public Affairs, Czech Republic

Mikuláš Ferjenčík, Vice-chairman, Czech Pirate Party, Czech Republic

 

 

The objective of the discussion was to give young people an opportunity to express their opinions on one of the most serious problems in our society: on corruption. Jan Urban opened the discussion by questioning how strong the temptation of money and power could be and if corruption in the Czech Republic exists. Mikuláš Ferjenčík noted that “corruption does exist, but shouldn’t be perceived as a normal phenomenon.” He added that one of the key points in the fight against corruption is the transparency of campaign finances and the publishing of annual financial reports.

 

Marie Benešová agreed with Mikuláš Ferjenčík, stating that “corruption has become extensive is visible trough the many new anti-corruption initiatives which have emerged”. Karolína Peake emphasized that corruption represents not just a systematic problem, but it is closely connected with moral values. She stressed, however, her belief “in a slow, but positive development in the fight against corruption”. Ondřej Liška agreed with Peake, noting that regulations, together with moral principles, are necessary.

 

When facing the questions of students, Jaroslav Poláček emphasized the need for the responsibility of political representatives. All of the panelists encouraged the students to participate not only in civic society activities, but also in politics itself. Ondřej Liška concluded the discussion by stating that the fight against corruption shouldn’t be a political issue, but rather a basis of the democratic system.