Monday, 19 December 2016 Sleeping giant Issue 144 l newsstand price CZK 24/¤ 1 l www.e15.cz 144 Polish entrepreneur intent 0

on bringing back glory days 40 to travel firm Čedok 45431 FACE TO FACE pages 10–11 771803

Retro quest 9 Braving perilous Norwegian ice plateaus in the footsteps

of Amundsen facebook.com/ SPECIAL REPORT pages 12–13 e15weekly

‘First on Earth’

sold to Japanese Profimedia.cz Photo:

Most famous Czech Dušan Kütner Created in 1842, be- Hungary's Dreher and Romania's came the world’s first ever pilsner-type Ursus. The sweep of beer brands be- brewer Pilsner Urquell he takeover, hailed as the lar- blond and has been imitated by came available for sale from Belgium- gest ever beer deal made by every major beer producing nation in -headquartered Anheuser-Busch InBev has been acquired a brewer from Japan, actually Europe. for EUR 7.3bn (CZK 270.4m) because by Japan’s Asahi in returns the cherished Pilsner (SAB), the global giant needed to ease clearan- TUrquell Brewery [Plzeňský Prazdroj] to which acquired the brewery from No- ce from competition regulators for its a EUR 7.3bn deal that Japanese ownership after 17 years. The mura, liked to boast that it had taken USD 100 billion takeover of SABMiller. previous Japanese owner was investment ownership of “the First Pilsner on Amounting to the biggest deal in con- also lands Slovak, group Nomura International. It became Earth”. Asahi Group Holdings must sumer goods history, it was finalised Polish, Hungarian and entangled in arbitration rows with the now decide not only how it will mar- in October. Czech government over the ownership ket Pilsner Urquell, but also Poland's Romanian beer brands of the proceeds from selling the asset. and Lech, Slovakia’s , Continues on page 4 2/3 news ČSSD promises ‘genuine’ tax revolution Traditional voters told party will make wealthy pay more

POLITICS and rich players, who export the richest individual and cor- Pavel Otto their profits out of the Czech porate entities lobbied for it. Republic,” Sobotka remarked. We are not targeting cosmetic he Social Democrats “Annually, these sums amount changes, but rather core re- [ČSSD] are to attempt to 200 to 300 billion [crowns],” form in the direction of progre- Tto secure the support he added. ss,” Sobotka said. Middle-in- of their traditional voters in The leader of the ANO mo- come and low-income groups the run-up to the 2017 general vement, finance minister and would pay lower tax under election. They are prioritising Agrofert corporation owner planned adjustments. “This those with average or below- Andrej Babiš, insists that ta- is about earned progress for -average pay and those with xing big companies at a higher these people, who make up the no substantial life advantages, rate would cause them to exit vast majority of employees in including people who do not the country. But the Social our republic. In no way do we stand to gain from a substantial Democrats have decided that wish to in future be the cheap inheritance. they must toughen up in their workshop of Europe,” the PM Following a meeting of the responses and approach to added. His party plans to unveil broad party leadership, ČSSD ANO. There is a clear and fun- specific measures next spring. chair and prime minister, Bo- damental political clash when The ČSSD planned to in- huslav Sobotka, outlined the it comes to the ideas of Babiš’s troduce sector taxes for the Photo: ČTK strategy. Should the major followers and those of ČSSD, banking and energy indus- party of the left again be vo- according to Sobotka. “Peo- tries during the current parli- Electronic Records of Sales and pushes up taxation. In do- ted into government, it would ple must decide if they wish to ament, but its move has come [EET] system, the first phase ing so it would drive successful introduce progressive taxati- preserve democracy,” he said. up against repeated opposition of which was recently launched firms, who provide people with on with more income tax rates ČSSD looks set to put forward from Babiš. In contrast, the to cover catering and accom- work, out of the Czech Repub- and a second rate for taxing its promised tax revolution as ANO leader has concentrated modation businesses. lic,” said the ANO leader. The the earnings of international its main election campaign on small-sized enterprises and “The ČSSD wants to make opposition Civic Democrats corporations, he pledged. crowd-puller. self-employed traders, pushing of us a state which is irrespon- [ODS] expressed similar opi- “The way taxation is set up ri- “Our current tax system through controls on VAT decla- sible with its budget, and which nions. They want a simplified ght now it only obliges the big came about when after 2006 rations and introducing the hands out social benefits to all tax system and lower taxes.

Migration behind small population rise Jan Vávra most common age range was 30-31, while mothers giving The population of the Czech birth to their first child were Republic rose by 18,600 to most frequently aged 29. 10,572,400 people in the first From January to Septem- nine months of 2016, year on ber, 79,400 Czech citizens year, according to the Czech passed away this year. The Statistical Office [ČSÚ]. Mig- number was 5,000 less than ration was mainly behind the the figure for the same period rise. Approximately 27,600 of last year, which was marked people moved to the country by the highest number for 18 during the analysed period. years. Men died at an average In contrast, around 15,100 left age of 72.2 years, women at an the . They were average of 79.1 years. Some 239 mostly Czechs, Ukrainians and infants passed away before re- Russians. The number of peo- aching their first year, 33 per- ple who were born outnumbe- cent more year on year. red those who died. The nine months also wit- The three quarters of the nessed 43,400 weddings, year saw the birth of 85,400 1,700 more on an annual com- babies nationwide, 1,200 more parison. Divorces numbered

Photo: ČTK than in the same period last 19,200, meaning there was year. Of those, 48.6 percent little change versus the three Brno receives light of peace kindled in Bethlehem were born to single mothers, quarters of 2015. “The most The Peace Light from Bethlehem, the symbol of a Christmas campaign run by scouts and guides now a year on year rise of one numerous were divorces in the into its 30th year, arrived in Brno on an express train from Vienna. The light was originally lit in Jesus’s percentage point. Compared ninth year of marriage, which town of birth and taken on a worldwide tour in 1986 as part of a large charitable relief mission, Light to last year, there were more reflected the high number of into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad. It is passed on to 30 European countries firstborn children, but in other engagements in 2007. The rate and for the past few years it has also made it to North America, Mexico and Canada. Each year, an birth order categories the of divorce was actually highest Austrian child kindles a flame from the Eternal Flame at the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem number of babies moderately for the fourth to sixth years of fell. Among the mothers, the marriage,” ČSÚ stated. ‘Exploitable’ public TV and Pavel Otto’s notebook radio changes under attack

Pavel Otto remain adamant that the in future be selected by 22 opposite would be the case. precisely defined non-gover- Babiš’s doping daily A draft legislative amend- “Czech Television and Czech nmental organisations before ment on selecting the repre- Radio unanimously call on being appointed by the chair One of the newspapers One can’t help but agree sentatives and powers of the [Christian Democrat] culture of the Senate. According to under the control of finance with PM Bohuslav Sobotka’s Czech Television [ČT] and minister Daniel Herman to those submitting the draft, minister and ANO party characterisation of Babiš Czech Radio [ČRo] councils adopt a negative standpoint this would limit the political leader Andrej Babiš’s MAFRA pushing his political fortunes is facing growing criticism. towards the amendment, selection of pre-arranged empire recently published with a form of doping applied Both the broadcasters and which weakens fundamental party nominees. an item headlining President via a compliant media. the government’s legislative pillars of the independence of But the majority of the 22 Miloš Zeman’s praise for board have attacked how ea- public service broadcasting organisations, among which the Electronic Records of Early December saw the sily exploitable it would be if media,” said ČT spokeswo- are various associations in- Sales [EET] system alongside die cast on the likely central made law, leading to a worse- man Alžběta Plívová. volved in art or enterprise, a large photo of the head issue of next year’s general ning of the status quo. Among the principal ele- have direct commercial or of state. The party line was election campaign. And Given the conflicts of ments of the draft are chan- strategic interests in the continued in the caption, that is: who is the real Juraj interest it would generate ges in the way members of the activities of the public service which heralded the fact that Jánošík [the legendary 17th among future council mem- radio and television councils media and would find them- the apocalypse had failed century Slovak highwayman, bers, it is recommended would be chosen and the in- selves with permanent con- to arrive and that Babiš’s seen as a kind of Robin Hood that the entire draft should troduction of new organs such flicts of interest, according to pet project was working as –Ed.)? Babiš will try to argue be scrapped. However, law- as an administrative board. an analysis at the disposal of planned. Yes, Babiš sure that he is making life tougher makers surrounding ANO While the 15-member tele- E15 daily. The organisations knows how to praise himself. for the cheaters so that the party media expert Martin vision council and the nine- should not only be entitled to The danger is that many decent folks have a fair shot. Komárek insist that the do- -member radio council are name council members, but readers will believe such And the Social Democrats cument’s proposed changes presently elected by Parlia- to also dismiss them. What’s propaganda – which is, of will increase taxes on the are aimed at providing better ment’s lower chamber from more, the draft amendment course, precisely what the wealthy so as to help the oversight and consolidation candidates proposed by non- does not explain why it is Agrofert oligarch wants. poorest. That’s the choice. in terms of the independence -state organisations, the draft that these particular organi- of the public service broad- says council members and po- sations have been chosen for casters. The broadcasters litical representatives should their role. Marek Schwarzmann’s notebook

Itch to snitch The age of the internet (meaning griping about has had a major impact on how they failed to cure Czechs. But asides from all us during our last visit); the indisputable pluses in and we’ve learned to “improving” or “making report companies who easier” many aspects of utilise pirated software our lives, one can’t help (with rewards available but observe some major for the grassing up). So backwards steps, too. Alas, the reporting of the non- they are very unfortunately issuance of receipts is and painfully rooted in child’s play. historical baits that turned so many Czechs into But each coin has two informers. sides. Like it or not, this author must confess to The latest such example is a certain unavoidable evident in a section of the affinity for one web official Tax Administration innovation that encourages website entitled “Reporting ratting. Have you heard Photo: ČTK non-issuance of receipts” – about the “Clean Chimney” Charles IV, hero of the medieval construction industry but that is just the tip of the [Čistý komín] app? You Charles IV’s Prague, A Grandiose Building Site of Europe is the title of a new exhibition that dwells iceberg; just another notch can use it to film your on the great medieval construction and urban development feats achieved in the Bohemian upwards on the temperature neighbours burning capital under the Holy Roman Emperor, born 700 years ago. A big attraction of the event, set up scale of the proverbially everything and anything at Dům U Zlatého prstenu just off Old Town Square, is a city model with videomapping (pictured), boiling, yet sedate, frog (including their trash) a projection technology that turns objects into a display surface for video projection. Visitors can in the pot. We’ve already except for the correct also discover how it came to be that Prague in the 14th century was comprised of four towns and learned to rate the quality designated heating fuels. how seven centuries ago Karlovo Náměstí was the largest town square in all of Europe of doctors’ services online Cough, cough... 4/5 business Energy of Czech Film not flagging Innogy to pick up RWE’s longstanding support of films, documentaries and festivals

FILM INDUSTRY Innogy also intends to Stanislav Šulc share in the creation of the documentary Nechte zpívat WE, under its new Mišíka [Leave Mišík to Sing] brand name Innogy, is by director Jitka Němcová and Rto keep up its support of a portrait of the dancer and Czech filmmaking and film fes- choreographer Petr Zuska tivals. “The Energy of Czech which is under the direction Film project is continuing into of Martin Kubala. Cash injec- its 12th season even after the tions can also be anticipated rebranding. Film is something by some chosen film calendar we feel simply belongs to our events. activities,” said Innogy Czech “We will next year again Republic chair of the board support the Karlovy Vary Martin Herrmann. The energy international film festival, firm is to invest CZK 25m into the summer film school at the domestic film industry next Uherské Hradiště and the year. Seven motion pictures Czech Film Critics’ Award. are awaiting financial assistan- We will, moreover, continue ce from the company – five as the main partner of the films and two documentaries. prestigious Český lev [Czech Innogy is betting heavily Lion] film awards,” added on time-proven film creators. Herrmann. The energy firm Among the supported pro- has to date helped 39 feature- ductions will be director Jan -length films and 12 feature- Svěrák’s Po strništi bos [Bare- -length documentaries on to -footed On the Harvest Field], the silver screen. Since 2005, Jana Hřebejk’s Zahradnictví Innogy has backed the Energy [Garden Centre] trilogy and of Czech Film project with in Photo: ČTK Miroslav Krobot’s Kvarteto excess of a quarter of a billion Save bet. Among the supported productions will be Zahradnictví [Garden Centre] trilogy directed [Quartet]. crowns. by time-proven, award-winning Jan Hřebejk

‘First Pilsner on Earth’ sold to Japanese Continued from page 1

Asahi, which is struggling with beer sales back home, sees its acquisition as building on its EUR 2.55bn purchase of SABMiller's West European brands Peroni and Grolsch, sold for the same reason. Euro- pean Commission competition approval will be needed for its latest transaction. “Via this acquisition Asa- hi intends to create a global player focused on premium brands,” the company, which employs 22,000 people worldwide and achieves an annual turnover of JPY 1.86 trillion (CZK 415bn), stated.

Photo: ČTK Half of the turnover stems from alcoholic drinks, but not National wine challenge won by late harvest Ryzlink vlašský 2015 only beer. The best wine for 2017 category winner of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic contest is Ryzlink vlašský 2015, late harvest, Asahi’s Central and Eastern Collection 1508 Reservé, produced by South Moravian winemaker Zámecké Vinařství. Its taste is reminiscent of yellow melon European acquisitions give it and grape pip. An expert jury gathered in Valtice, near Břeclav, South Moravia, selected the wine along with a composition of nine per cent of the European wines which will be made available across a year for tasting in the wine cellar of Valtice Chateau beer market, excluding Russia, Reuters news agency reported. Crunch the numbers: up and down

Martin Štrupl snack sales soaring CEO, Hamér Dušan Kütner The foodstuffs producer has a plan to get Czechs are again discovering back in the black in Russia. It is investing in a big taste for crisps, other po- new technology for its Russian manufactu- tato-based snacks and additio- ring plant and is taking on new people. nal nibbles. Data agency Niel- sen says the nation polished off more than 11,000 tonnes Rex Tillerson of crisps in all from November Chairman, ExxonMobil 2015 to October this year. The appetite for nuts and savoury Nominated by Donald Trump to be the sticks also rose, with people next US secretary of state, he has political spending some CZK 4.3bn du- observers scratching their heads. True, he’s ring the assessed 12 months on not, like Trump, on the record as saying

salted snacks, almost five per- Photo: Michael Tomeš climate change is a “hoax” invented by the cent more than in the previous Chinese, but he seems to get on famously 12-month period. ces the familiar Pepsi-Cola “Next year we want to continue with Vladimir Putin. Some Democrats seem “Apart from crisps, it was drink, but also crisps, such as growing at a similar rate,” he convinced he is a Russian spy. salted nuts and healthier alter- the Lays brand, which account added. natives like some baked pro- for up to half of its world reve- In contrast, the ducts that drove the growth of nues – has this year seen year Chips brand and its producer, Pavel Čekan the whole category,” said Niel- on year growth of around one- Intersnack, have not been fa- Mayor of Ostrov sen consultant Michal Elšík. -quarter in its Czech sales. It ring too well. The consolidated The Czech consumption is attempting to cut the mar- revenues of Intersnack fell by Developer Panattoni is to create a new rate of crisps and other po- ket share of age-old market CZK 1.37bn, or approaching industrial zone on territory previously tato-based snacks stands as leader Bohemia Chips, based 10 percent, last year. What’s occupied by a producer of trolleybuses. It is average in comparison with in Choustník, South Bohemia. more, the company’s annual anticipated that around 5,000 people could the rates of other European “In some months of this year net result sank to a loss of CZK find work within the zone, planned for countries. Partly for that rea- we took a 25-percent market 59m, which was by some me- Ostrov, northwest Bohemia. son the domestic branch of glo- share, during which times, asure the worst result since bal snack producer and seller seen against the structured 2009, when Intersnack absor- PepsiCo last year launched market, we were the number bed smaller producers Canto Tom Verhaegen a market offensive. The com- one,” PepsiCo Czech Repub- of Hradec Králové and Perri Director, Pilsner Urquell Brewery pany – which not only produ- lic CEO Josef Neumann said. Crisps & Snacks of Třemošná. The good financial results of the number one Czech brewer were something of a factor in generating plenty of bidding interest in a package of Central and Eastern European breweries put on the sales block by Anheuser- -Busch InBev to placate competition regulators during its takeover of SABMiller. Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings was named the winning bidder.

Ondřej Boháč Director, IPR Prague

City Hall has promoted him from deputy director to chief of the Institute of Planning and Development Prague. Councillors agreed no selection process was needed as everybo- dy concurred he was the best candidate. His big task now is to complete the long-delayed journey to delivering a master plan for the capital. Photo: ČTK Diamond merchants steer buyers towards more colourful trades E15 weekly, economic and business news magazine | www.e15.cz Diamond investors are starting to stake more capital on coloured gemstones. More expensive Igor Záruba, Executive Editor, [email protected]; Marian Hronek, Editor, [email protected] | Translation: TextMasters, [email protected] than colourless or white diamonds, in the past two years they have become more abundant on Contact: Adéla Nová, Secretary | Call (+420) 225 977 668 the Czech market. That is anyway the view of the owner of Brno-based jewellery maker Luboš Postal address: Komunardů 1584/42, 170 00 Praha 7 | Published CN Invest a. s., Korbička. His business, which has an annual turnover of several millions of crowns, has mediated Komunardů 1584/42, 170 00 Praha 7, IČ 04312945 the sale of hundreds of coloured diamonds. In relation to the hue and intensity of a diamond's Advertising: Šárka Kamarýtová, Sales Manager, [email protected] colouration, a diamond‘s colour either detracts from or enhances its price. Most white diamonds Production: [email protected] | Distribution: [email protected] Registration: E 21420 E15 weekly, ISSN 2464-711X are discounted in value when more yellow hue is present Reprints & Permissions: The Publisher will consider requests for reprints or any other reproduction | Printed by EUROPRINT a. s. facebook.com/ e15weekly 6/7 opinion

Social Democratic Jana Havligerová’s diary do or die Casting caution to ČSSD – Not to be the wind. confused with ČSDS Bohuslav Sobot- While attending a meeting get. But it appeared that of the party leadership, Zeman preferred looking ka’s policy plat- Czech Social Democra- back rather than to the form, designed to tic Party [ČSSD] leader future: “The phrase ‘we Bohuslav Sobotka called have the resources’ is one prevent a debacle on his internal opponents of the dumbest ones ever to stop the finger-poin- to have been used in the for his Social De- ting and squabbles. Such field of political econo- efforts were weakening the mics at any time and in mocrats in next party, argued Sobotka, who any country,” said Zeman. year’s parliamen- urged the rank and file to The president also harked

Photo: ČTK think long and hard on the back to the 2002-04 tary elections, can amount of energy consu- premiership of Vladimír general election will either be rent risks. But at least the PM med by such infighting. Špidla. Once touted as an easily be summed won by ANO or his party. The- has managed to somewhat turn Party members, continued heir-apparent, Zeman la- re was no third option. In itself around a wide sense of gloom Sobotka, would also do well ter disavowed Špidla after up thus: take that represents a tried and tes- and resignation to defeat among to count the number of his own failure in the 2003 ted political strategy – one need his party faithful, who were star- times they had publicly cri- presidential elections. a sharp turn left! only recall 1998’s Civic Democrat ting to focus on Babiš’s potential ticised ANO leader Andrej Yes, for some, old wounds election slogan of “Leftward, or conditions for joining an ANO- Babiš and compare that to never heal. with Klaus”. Persuading voters -led future coalition. Sobotka the number of times they of a binary choice at least offers is clearly approaching the poll had criticised their own Anti-Islam activist Martin a 50-percent chance of victory. in a far more combative do-or- leader. Such energy should Konvička has parted ways But Sobotka’s plan doesn’t end -die sense, as if it was his party’s be fully geared towards with the newly-founded Martin there. Evidently, he also decided last stand; less about scruples battling against opponents, Alternativa pro Českou Čaban to try to shift the electoral dis- and less about creating a wide insisted the PM. So that republiku [Alternative for course from an alien post-fact umbrella including both the should do the trick... the Czech Republic]. Wri- and emotion-driven arena. In- working man and urban liberals. ting on his Facebook page, ector taxes, a return to stead he wants to lure deputy But such a do-or-die recipe President Miloš Zeman Konvička said he had lost progressive taxation, PM Babiš into a more persona- naturally has a dangerous flip- enjoys looking back. Idea- faith in the project. Hardly Smulling a shorter wor- lly comfortable battlefield, that side – namely the die part. By lly in front of a large audi- surprising given his unsu- king week, large public sector good old division between left highlighting policy priorities, ence, such as an assembly ccessful candidacy in Tábor wage hikes, a close embrace of and right. And right from the Sobotka has essentially robbed of MPs. During a recent district in October’s Senate the unions battling for private speech to Parliament, elections. Of course we sector wage rises, automatic Zeman urged members to never blame the candidate, minimum wage increases, and Sobotka has essentially approve next year’s bud- only the party... inveighing against the “migh- ty and the wealthy”. The ideal robbed the party of its party voter is thus a client of joke the state – from the archetypal coalition potential, save worker right through to the poor recipient of social han- with the communists douts. Other voting groups are welcome, should they acciden- outset he has barricaded him- the party of its coalition poten- tally stumble upon the party, self in a fortress of left-of-cen- tial, save with the communists. but they are certainly not to be tre positions; it’s a clear effort So either it will end up out of courted. to woo back voters poached by government, which will hurt it, We’ll for now leave to the Babiš’s ANO during October’s or it will have to join a coalition economists the matter of what regional elections. Sobotka is by abandoning many principles Sobotka’s plans, if enacted, mi- seeking to push ANO back to- it just laid out. Which will hurt ght do to the economy. They’ll wards the centre-right. Given even more. Recall how 1998’s for sure have a feast day with Babiš’s perplexed reactions to Civic Democrats, having cam- them. But economic concerns such manoeuvring, one must in paigned in black-or-white terms, were not Sobotka’s chief gui- all fairness say that right now it’s ended up signing the notorious depost in devising his party’s first round, and clear advantage, “opposition agreement” with policy manifesto. Rather it was to Sobotka. the Social Democrats. Sobotka’s an effort to regain the initiative But that does not necessarily gambit is certainly a bolder move

and stake out an advantageous mean his plan will ultimately than simply accepting inevitable inzerce electoral battlefield. succeed and prove as cunning defeat. But with the stakes raised  The plan began when Sobotka as Sobotka evidently believes it so high, adjectives such as “brilli- “I’m very, very happy. But I want to be very, very, came up with the idea that the is. There are a number of inhe- ant” hardly seem apt. very happy. And that’s why I’m miserable.“ 255869/193 POLITICS opinions markets the eCONOMY businessNEWS interviews

the only english language business weekly in the czech republic 8/9 top story Photos: archive

Supporters celebrate as preliminary results indicate victory for Alexander Van der Bellen (pictured) in Austria’s Earthquakes presidential elections left and right he second weekend of Advent saw political earthquakes take eking to collect enough signatures to force a nationwide referendum on the place in both Austria and Italy. But these were far from isolated acceptance of the recently agreed EU- incidents. The Brexit vote in June has essentially kicked off -Canada CETA free trade deal. T The blooms of April and May a two-year period of tumult that may reshape the European and Right after that, in April and May, it’s presidential election time in France. global political landscape Even before voters have gone to the polls, France has its first major poli- Petr Sokol onal representation system, but even also in some way include the political tical loser in the shape of incumbent so, strong gains by Wilders’ populist “enfant terrible” of the land of tulips. president Francois Hollande. On Dutch elections to the House of Repre- protest party could make efforts to Indeed, the PVV has already once be- 1 December, the socialist made his- sentatives, scheduled for March 2017, assemble the country’s next gover- fore formed part of a coalition agre- tory by becoming the only first-term have the potential to yield the next big ning coalition very difficult. In order ement, gaining concessions in 2010 French president to decline to seek earthquake. For months now a number to exclude the PVV as well as the polar in exchange for tolerating a non-PVV re-election. of polls have shown the nationalist and opposite far-left, and formerly Mao- minority government. That makes exi- Hollande’s hand was forced not only anti-Islam Party for Freedom [PVV] led ist, Socialist Party [SP], at least five sting declarations by Dutch politicians by policy missteps but also by a rise in by Geert Wilders out in front. other parties will have to enter into refusing to cooperate with Wilders just support for Marine Le Pen, head of the a coalition. a little less harder to take at face value. nationalist National Front [FN], who A Dutch March Or the possibility of a “grand” coa- Furthermore, and adding to protest is standing in next year’s election. Le The Netherlands may have a proporti- lition is also in the cards, which would potential, Dutch campaigners are se- Pen’s chances of pulling off another Trump-style upset and heading to the Austria’s polling firms Élysée Palace are somewhat reduced incorrectly predicted a win by France’s two-round presidential for far-right Freedom Party election system. Polls have consistently candidate Norbert Hofer showed that the best possible chance for a Le Pen victory was for the FN leader to end up in a two-way match- -up against the unpopular Hollande. At least that won’t now happen. German September After a brief pause from potential poli- tical earthquakes over the summer, the nail-biting returns. Angela Merkel, of- ten described as the last line of defence against European populism, will be ru- nning for a chance of a fourth term as chancellor of Germany. The Christian Democratic Union [CDU] leader, who has become a symbol of European pro- -migration policies, is still viewed as the overwhelming favourite, enjoying widespread support among Germans. But then again, Hillary Clinton was also viewed as an overwhelming favou- rite in the US presidential elections, and look what happened. One possible path for an alterna- tive outcome in Germany is a so-called Dutch politician Geert Wilders, whose Party for Purple-Red-Green coalition in which Freedom is expected to triumph in parliamentary Merkel’s majority would be undercut elections by the Social Democrats, Greens and also the NDR-era post-communist defeated in the first round. Van der parliamentary elections, enabling it The results of Austria’s presidential Left Party. Certainly The Left Party Bellen’s Greens have never been part to retain the status of establishment election show that after working class (Linkspartei) cannot be considered of a national coalition government. outsider. And elections could actually voters, Hofer performed best with the part of the European political main- Paradoxically, while the Greens have happen far earlier than September self-employed and those who run small stream. been denied a place in government, the 2018; the current grand coalition be- businesses – the constituencies of la- As to the number of elections populist Freedom Party (FPÖ) were tween the Social Democratic and Pe- bour and management usually express with the potential to be described as members of a coalition government ople’s Parties is buckling at the seams differing political outlooks. Which is earthquake-inducing, the list goes on. from 2000-2005. and could easily collapse and lead to why any division into a right-wing pro- Our own Czech presidential elections When the presidential election early elections. For some time now, -Hofer and a left-wing pro-Van der scheduled for 2018 count among these. went to a second round back in the the FPÖ has led parliamentary opinion Bellen constellation is decidedly fla- Looking back now to the country’s spring, featuring a duel between the polls. Add to that the fact that both wed. This distinction is underscored first direct presidential elections in Greens and FPÖ, then the political governing parties contain factions by the very fact that the Freedom Party 2013, and the way in which these ended mainstream in Austria already had an evidently open to forming a coalition describes itself, among other things, up shaping our discourse for years to earthquake on its hands. The country with the populist Freedom Party after as a “patriotic social party”. come, one cannot rule out entirely has now elected its first ever Green the next elections. Austria has also seemingly “affir- that the incumbent Miloš Zeman won’t president. How might that impact the Until now, the FPÖ only possessed med” the current post-Trump mantra be re-elected as easily as presently Czech Republic? Austria, long opposed such an avenue with the Austrian Pe- that opinion polling can be wrong and expected. to nuclear power, may increase its fin- ople’s Party (ÖVP), but now even the should perhaps not even be trusted. Adding up all these crossroads, the ger-wagging at the Czech Republic’s Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) has Prior to the presidential elections, political landscapes of both Europe Temelín nuclear power plant. expressed its receptiveness. Ironic polling overestimated support for Ho- and the US are being shaken in a ma- given that in 2000, the SPÖ suppor- fer, which then failed to materialise at nner similar to the post-communist A Confused Austria ted European diplomatic sanctions the ballot box. And betting companies, environment which emerged in the The Austrian newspaper Die Presse against Austria due to the formation who had singularly favoured Hofer, late 1980s and 1990s. depicted the election result as a row of of a coalition government which inclu- also took a loss. In reality, the issue dominos that remains standing. After ded the far-right party. But now the is not polling itself, but rather voters, Green Hofburg all, the argument goes, better a profes- SPÖ appears to have realised that the shifting their affiliations in a way that If there was one ray of hope for the often makes the art of prediction ex- non-populists then it was the clear tremely difficult. victory in December of Alexander Van European politics is in the European politics is experiencing der Bellen in Austria’s presidential earthquakes similar to the tumultuous election. However, once the initial joy midst of an earthquake similar events of 1989. After years of wears off, the spectre of Norbert Ho- sliding towards the centre, both fer’s far-right Freedom Party of Aus- to the events of 1989 the political right and left are once tria is still very much potently present, again moving into more ideological, and the party still has the potential for more firebrand territory. While it gains in the next legislative elections sor of economics than an unapologetic FPÖ is a fellow “working class” party, may even be refreshing to see some scheduled to take place by 2018. nationalist. But that is perhaps a little meaning they have the ability to poach of these distinctive political contours But 2016’s presidential election overblown – after all, Hofer still gained voters from the Social Democrats. And reappearing in political parties, the was also an earthquake of sorts. The 46 percent of the vote with an almost if Hofer’s coalition of voters shows labels of left and right are proving candidates of the two major parties – 75 percent turnout. anything it is that the old divisions of themselves to be useless signposts with which had governed the country since Indeed, the loss could actually re- right and left have been shaken up to regards to their policies. Welcome to the end of World War II – were both present a plus for the FPÖ in future a considerable degree. the age of populism. 10/11 face to face MARIUSZ JAŃCZUK We’ll awaken dormant Čedok and quickly make it number one Photos: E15 Michael Tomeš

n his native Poland, Mariusz Jańczuk, in Jan Šindelář It is a respected and well-known busi- ness that has not fallen to bad press. It partnership with Leszek Szagdaj, started What was behind your decision to enter boasts a nearly century-long history and the Czech market? enjoys a good reputation in the Czech from scratch to create a holiday giant with We tried the same move in the past Republic. Most Czechs see Čedok as re- I through another major travel agency. liable and that is exactly what I was after. an annual turnover exceeding the equivalent I can’t give you much by way of details of EUR 404m. Their travel agency, Itaka, is the but we eventually failed with that bid Nevertheless, some observers tend to even though we did get quite far in our see Čedok as a brand that’s past its pri- undisputed top dog on the Polish market. The aim negotiations. The whole idea then went me, one that has been gathering dust, on the back burner for a while. I was also or at best a brand for seniors’ holidays. now is to replicate its success across the border in put off pursuing it by less than encou- Let’s call it a dormant brand. And yes, raging reports from the local market I was also told that it is more of a brand the Czech Republic. “We are very clear on how we which indicated its decline, its complexi- for senior clientele. But it is not true. If ty and so on. But then I was approached we look at the composition of our cus- want to develop the brand. One thing we certainly by [Čedok CEO] Mr. [Radek] Drechsler tomer base, most of them are families won’t do is attempt to transform Čedok into who said that Čedok was on the market. with children. I admit they may be the And so we began negotiating. more conservative sort. There is a world a Polish business,” says the entrepreneur, who of difference in that the previous owners What was it that made you take the fi- were financial investors while we are has previously not spoken to Czech media nal decision to acquire Čedok? strategic investors. We know what is going on in the business and we have the Polish market but eventually grew Such as? has been making use of that company for a clear plan for the future development tired of it because, similarly to the Czech We have for example increased our its clients in Poland. I’m sure it is time of the brand. What is for sure, we will Republic, the market in Poland is thri- capacities in Crete, Rodhos, Kos and to put the option to use in the Czech not be trying to turn Čedok into a Polish ving one year and going to the dogs the Zakynthos. We have also upped our of- Republic as well. business. next. So resilience and a viable long- fers in Turkey quite a lot as the country -term strategy are survival essentials. is making a comeback on the holiday Let me ask one rather general ques- Do you mean to say that Čedok will re- I might also add that we are Poles who market. Egypt is a similar case and a de- tion regarding your business. There main an independent company with its are managing a travel agency on the stination that Čedok has been neglecting have been doomsayers predicting the own product? Or will it become a re- Polish market. We are familiar with quite a bit. And I should not leave out the demise of traditional travel agenci- seller of travel tours arranged by Itaka? the mentality and we have invested our Spanish coast and islands. As a complete es as more and more people arrange That is out of the question. Of course, we hearts in it. novelty we plan ship cruises tailored to their own holidays using various on- will be aiming to make use of synergies Itaka and Čedok’s customers. We will line platforms and low-cost airlines. available between the two companies but By contrast, Čedok has not exactly been hire the whole ship, complete with en- Isn’t that a bit of nightmare for you? we certainly have no desire to meddle a shining light on its own domestic mar- tertainment programs matched to our It is a trend, but certainly not a nightma- with Čedok’s independent existence. ket, and its revenues have been dwind- clients. That is something that has been re. I sleep quite well, thank you. Of cour- Activities will merge where it would ling. Can Čedok reclaim its position as missing on the Czech market so far. se, there are markets where traditional make no sense to perform them twice, the leader of the pack? travel agencies have all but disappeared, such as negotiating agreements with our Before three years are out. At least that Isn’t it a bit risky to put so much effort such as Italy, Spain or England, with all partners. There is no need for a separate is our plan even though we are well into Egypt? the dotcoms and low-cost airlines. But team of contractors at Čedok and ano- then you have markets, such as Germany ther team at Itaka. Quite the contrary, or Scandinavian countries, where travel a single team representing both, will agencies are doing well. I believe it de- enjoy a much stronger negotiating po- pends on the willingness and ability to sition. When I address a hotel owner in adjust to new trends. It all begins with Greece with a request for 150 rooms, 20 good distribution online and continues for Čedok and 130 for Itaka, then Čedok with a thousand other things. People for automatically gets a much better price. example wish to be able to pick a date Plus, I can also ask for exclusivity, some- of departure or the exact duration of thing Čedok would have been too weak stay, they don’t want to be made to fit to achieve on its own. But the company in a predefined box. That poses quite management will be local and decisions a challenge for travel agencies as they will be taken locally, in Prague. Čedok must manage guaranteed places and will remain a Czech travel agency, opera- blocks of seats on airplanes. That is why ting on the Czech market and servicing we have invested quite heavily in IT sys- Czech clients. tems. Plus, we sell standalone services, such as air tickets, accommodation, field Is this instance of the acquisition of trips and many other things, available Čedok the first time you have bought outside of travel packages. a travel agency outside of your home country? So you don’t plan to sell Itaka, as you Yes, the first time. And for the first time already did once at the beginning of the company will also be managed out- this century? side Poland. We already crossed the bor- I sold the company a month before 9/11 der a few years ago but that was just and then bought it back two and a half to establish a local agency to sell trips years later. I’m not considering selling with departures from Poland. This is it now. how we have operated for quite some Egypt has great potential with, among time in Russia, Lithuania, Belarus and other things, its large number of very the Czech Republic too. Back home in modern hotels. It is near enough geo- Poland we are already nearing the sort graphically, it is comparatively cheap Mariusz of market share that will preclude any and it has a very pleasant climate. So Jańczuk (53) further growth. We could soon be ris- We know what is the only issue that surfaces from time A travelling and adrenalin sport king the antitrust authority forcing us to time is security, but that has been enthusiast, he founded Itaka in to split the company. going on in the improving rapidly. We see the demand 1989. According to the Polish for holidaying in Egypt growing rapidly edition of Newsweek, the company Does it mean that you plan further business and we in Poland as well as in other countries. started off offering coach trips acquisitions around Central Europe? By the way, what destination can be con- to the Netherlands. The coaches Well, we are done when it comes to the have a clear plan sidered safe these days? Paris? Madrid? would return with empty seats as Czech Republic. We are looking at the London? Security is not guaranteed any- the clients were making the return Baltic countries. for the future where any longer. journey in their newly purchased cars. Nowadays, Itaka is a giant Polish market’s number one Itaka en- development of One problem that has been plaguing the on the Central European holiday joys an exceptional positon in the regi- Czech holiday market for years is the market, expecting to service on in that it has not been sold to fore- the brand absence of long-haul aircraft that are 640,000 customers this year ign owners. Global players have mostly able to reach faraway destinations wi- while generating a turnover of taken over other market leaders. What aware that we might not achieve it com- thout a stopover. Will Itaka bring such PLN 1.8bn (about CZK 11.2bn, EUR is your explanation for this exception to pletely. But already the capacities Čedok aircraft to the Czech market? 404m). Jańczuk’s favourite des- the rule? offers for 2017 are three times those of We have seen that distant destinations tination is Chile. He seldom gives Frankly, I have no explanation. Maybe, 2016. And mind that we announced the have been serviced in an aero-taxi sty- interviews and has not previously we have just worked harder and been acquisition in mid-August so we have le here, with smaller aircraft stopping spoken to any Czech media title. cleverer than others. We have been on had next to no time to arrange things. over to refuel along the way. And I am He graduated from the Wroclaw the market for 27 years so we must be One of the first decisions put in place sure it puts people off buying holidays University of Science and Techno- quite resilient. There have been foreign was that Čedok will quickly refocus on in distant destinations. Travel Service logy (Politechnika Wrocławska). travel agencies that previously entered destinations where Itaka is strong. possesses big enough aircraft and Itaka 12/13 special report Retro expedition

wo Czech explorers decided to brave the perilous ice plateaus of even feasted on some of the same the Hardangervidda National Park, following in the footsteps of kind of bread eaten by Nansen as he traversed the Arctic. The next the famous Norwegian explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof day, we passed a number of frozen T lakes as visibility fell to zero. Our Nansen. All utilising period clothing, equipment – and determination instincts told us we had reached a large flat ice plain, albeit com- pletely covered in fog. We spotted Michal Martínek Outfitted with wooden skis, we will Tereza managed to suppress her a shadow 150 metres ahead, hoping, be lugging a replica hand-made laughter at out retro-antics long but not daring to say out loud, that I write this from the covered Nansen sleigh behind us. enough to tell us she came from this might be an open lodge. The terrain of Hardangervidda in the Hellevas in Denmark. Then it was final 100 metres trekking in that centre of southern Norway. “Those A cold welcome time to continue our journey, rely- direction required no less than four planks here are yours? What do you Loaded with food and equipment, ing only on maps, compasses and breaks! We struggled on for the fi- intend to do with them?” asks a lo- our sleigh weighed more than 100 instinct. nal 15 metres...the hunting lodge cal lady. It’s 120 years since Amund- kilogrammes. The expedition began We checked our azimuth coor- was open. By Norwegian standards sen and his brother Leon under- with a bang, traversing the most dinates every 10 minutes trying this qualified as more of a shed, but took the very first winter crossing exposed landscape in the region. It to determine distance travelled. for us it qualified as pure luxury. of this unforgiving terrain. And it represented a kind of shock thera- What a relief after two days to come Finally we had a chance to properly was here that fellow Norwegian ex- py. You either overcome the hurdles across a locked hut indicated on de-ice our tent and skis. And, af- plorer Fridtjof Nansen returned or that’s the end of it. Thank good- our map, thus able to verify our ter an eternity, we could finally eat numerous times, even writing some ness we came upon the young lady exact location. Night time invol- a meal while sitting down. of his books in this location in 1920. Tereza that morning. We were able ved quickly digging a hole, building Hooray! We’re back out again. Our intentions are to honour these to demonstrate that a heavy sleigh a tent, and carrying our equipment The wind died down to half-stren- explorers, and to travel back in time such as this, going full speed down inside. By 7 pm, we were exhausted gth and once again our sleigh was and recreate their journeys. Which a slope, could only be stopped by and crawled into our sleeping bags. able to glide on the snow. It seemed is why we’ve embarked on an 11- two large men such as ourselves. that after five days we might actua- day trip through Hardangervidda, She had a good laugh as we emer- Exhaustion lly be able to see something again. irrespective of whatever weather ged from the snow, our experiment Trying our best to match conditions Even so, we’ve already decided to and other challenges come our way. in braking having gone a little awry. more than a hundred years back, we only traverse half of our planned Retro-trek. Our trip was undertaken using period

attire and equipment Photos: Michal Martínek

route before turning back and is a solid structure which can be out the strange hole in the snow, formed in our “tropical” enclosure. returning to Haukeliseter. A bus warmed up nicely, is not exposed topped with a Czech flag in front Morning temperatures fell to a lo- from there will yield us an extra to the wind, and is even very quiet of the entrance. We talked into the vely minus 32 degrees Celsius. Our two days to take in the landscape. at that. The walls of our snow cave night, discussing skiing, polar tra- zips were frozen so cold we couldn’t So did that mean failure? It’s been reflected the light of the emerging vel, the Norwegian landscape, and even open them. Even the weather a tough battle for survival in the full moon. It was dead quiet, save mountaineering. When we finally seemed to know we’d reached the most inhospitable of conditions. for a small goat roaming away in the bid adieu, we promised to meet in half-way point and could now turn But our spirits are undaunted; the distance. Falling asleep amidst such Mongolia’s Altai Mountains in 2017, back with a clear conscience. Du- magic of our surroundings still able beauty, suddenly it sounded like having sung their praises during the ring the next day we managed to to enthral. something was crunching away in night’s conversation. exceed our planned travel. No wind, We spent the next night in a snow the snow outside. Norwegian trolls, clear skies, our sleigh glided over ditch. It took longer to dig than to perhaps? Indeed. One was called A final story the ice wonderfully. But the bright erect a tent, but the effort warms Mads and the other Thomas. The I was awoken by a morning spray on white blinds the eyes. Only during up the body. And the end result two local friends came to check the nose in the form of the frost that sunset did the contours and colours of this barren landscape emerge in all their beauty. There isn’t the space here to describe all that we encountered – such as our meeting with the participants of the Amundsen Ex- pedition race; or how they invited us to a sauna with a wonderful view of Haukelifjell mountain. Yes, we joined the group for a drink in an outside hot spa, our hair covered with frost, but the rest of our bo- dies as warm as can be. You might be shocked if I were to write just how many courses made up our Sunday breakfast. But even despite such a huge calorie intake, during our 11-day trip in minus 35 degree conditions, we still managed to each lose six kilogrammes in weight.

Taken from the magazine

Lodges en route make for wondrous sights. At last, the chance to have a comfortable sit-down meal 14/15 wild duck

Confirmed! Within a few years, the land of the Gallic rooster will de facto cease to exist as a nation state. A French court has ordered the removal of a statue of the Virgin Mary from public land La fin de la France!

S NÁMI WWW.E15.CZ Photos: Profimedia.cz

he town of Publier in is set to be celebrated only in But the “rehabilitation” does Of course, France’s Catho- and shop... including for prayer eastern France has been a subdued manner, with trees not end there. Not only statues lics will miss their places of books and contraception. Tordered by a court to only up to one metre in height. are to be removed from towns worship, and will ultimately Add to that the high likeliho- remove a statue of the Virgin And, in the interests of political and villages, but entire churches, have to cross over into nei- od that such pilgrims will likely Mary in a municipal park that correctness, people are being lest their provocative – and often ghbouring countries for the have to remain in “Czechia” for VYDĚLÁTE overlooks Lake Geneva. The advised not to sign off their le- explicit – symbols and Biblical re- occasional mass. The Czech a while, given that they won’t reason is the strict secular law tters with three crosses and to ferences cause offence to anyone. Republic could make money really have homes to which to that bans building religious use three circles instead. There French historians predict off that. For one, our nation return. After all, the wisdom symbols in public spaces nati- is even talk that cross-breeding that the country will soon – with so few migrants – has of the ages dictates that coun- onwide. The report of the court of gods will be outlawed. But undertake the greatest volun- no need to pass such obsequi- tries (in this case France) that order was confirmed by BBC even that may not be enough. tary liquidation of sacral monu- ous legislation; and secondly, liquidate the symbols of their News, which always makes Muslim drivers have even succe- ments since the time of Joseph in spite of Josef II’s efforts, we history are sowing the seeds of sure to verify its sources. eded in having crossroads repla- II, Holy Roman Emperor. But still have plenty of churches their own demise. 15 MINUT People are up in arms, Catho- ced with roundabouts. This, be- there is one small relief at hand left, empty at that...Our Touri- lics especially; but, in reality, cause Muslims were refusing to for Christ’s little sheep – some sm Development Centre sees Taken from the magazine this is just the beginning. drive on crossed roads, instead churches will be deconsecrated great potential here, because Acceding to the wishes of even opting to ride around fields and rebuilt into hotels for rich France’s Catholics need to not rival religions, this Christmas and meadows. clientele from Saudi Arabia. only worship, but also eat, live PRO EKONOMIKU A BYZNYS society Export-import networking occasion brings together South Korean and Czech company reps Prague’s Hotel Diplomat was the setting for a B2B meeting with a commercial delegation from the South Korean region of Jeonbuk. The informal gathering was arranged by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). It regularly organises such events in Prague, usually for the spring or November. All Czech firms are welcome to participate. New opportunities to import goods from South Korea are presented. According to participants of the latest meeting, those attending the event gained a unique chance to network with South Korean partners who are able to open up possibilities that can expand the activities of domestic companies. Registering for a KOTRA meeting and interpreting are free Photo: Bibloo Bibloo concept store opening hailed as Kotva goes for retail revival Iconic Prague department store Kotva is setting out to regain its original allure and place in retail, says the company that recently acquired the 1970s-era landmark, Pražská správa nemovitostí (PSN). With that in mind, Kotva, interesting architecturally for its multiple intertwined hexagons, has opened a fourth-floor designer space for fashion lovers. The Bibloo concept store sells its eponymous brand and other brands including Replay, Gant, Armani Jeans,

Tommy Hilfiger and Napapijri Photo: KOTRA

advertising 256373/48

S NÁMI WWW.E15.CZ VYDĚLÁTE 15 MINUT PRO EKONOMIKU A BYZNYS 16 diversions

picture of the week Photo: ČTK Head zeppelin A monumental architectural intervention has taken shape on the rooftop of Prague’s DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. Inspired by the elegance of early 20th- century airships, the head-turning 42 m-long steel and wooden structure is to become a new permanent space for literature. Named the Gulliver, its programme will include authors’ readings and discussions of literature. The first guests were Iranian writer Azar Nafisi and her Czech translator Patrik Ouředník

invitations

PHOTOGRAPHY GIG CINEMA GIG CONCERT Havel VT Marvin Hamlet is back NY Ska-Jazz Yvonne Sanchez at DOX at 007 at Světozor Ensemble Trio at JazzDock Photos: Archive Extensive exhibition Punk-rock formation VT Prague’s Světozor cinema The New York Ska-Jazz First-rate Czech singer presents work of top Czech Marvin make a 23 December offers an encore showing Ensemble have won acclaim Yvonne Sanchez will sing photographers Tomki Němec return to legendary students’ of the NT Live series for their potent mix of dance well-known jazz songs during and Bohdan Holomíček who club 007 at Prague’s Strahov performance of Hamlet, hall, reggae, rock steady and a late Christmas Eve evening recorded important historical to celebrate Christmas in featuring Benedict kinetic ska interpretations at Prague’s JazzDock, offering events as well as ordinary their inimitable joyful, playful Cumberbatch in the leading of jazz standards. Czech you a calm atmosphere and moments in the life of Václav and raw fashion. Expect some role. It was originally staged “cowboy reggae” band the hushed sound of a jazz Havel. Until 13 February. brand new tunes, and long at London’s Barbican Centre Green Småtroll support. 20 trio that will let you relax Prague’s DOX. forgotten ones. in 2015. 22 December. December. Rock Café, Prague. after the pre-Xmas rush.

About us. E15 Weekly is one of a group of business and economics-oriented publications printed by CN Invest a. s. It is a sister title to the E15 daily. Both periodicals, as well as a number of others, came under new ownership in the spring of 2016 when part of a portfolio formerly published by Mladá fronta a. s. was acquired. CN Invest a. s. publishes a broad range of print and online titles. In addition to other business-minded titles, the company also publishes lifestyle and women’s magazines (Maminka, Dieta, Moje psychologie) and children’s titles (Mateřídouška, Sluníčko). The publishing house also enjoys a considerable presence in the segment of technical and men’s online titles. CN Invest, and its sister company CZECH NEWS CENTER a. s. (the biggest publishing house in the Czech Republic, with titles such as Blesk, Reflex, Svět motorů, ABC), are members of the media concern CZECH MEDIA INVEST a. s.