Where's the business voice?
2007-05-17
Whom should PM Mirek Topolánek call if he wants to speak to
Czech business? Should it be CEO Martin Roman of ČEZ, his
favored golfing partner, whose electricity rate hikes are
increasingly seen as anti-business? Should it be President
Jaroslav Míl of the Confederation of Industry, who fears
criticizing Topolánek's reforms because he wants a seat in the
cabinet? Should it be President Jaromír Drábek of the Economic
Chamber, a frustrated KDU politician? Or perhaps Chair Milan
Štěch of the ČMKOS labor union, an in-your-face senator from
rival ČSSD? Financial analysts, whose comments are often self-
serving? Other special-interest groups or trade associations?
The truth is that the business community doesn't have a single
number to call. It's not entirely Topolánek's fault that he isn't
listening to the business voice on reform, because it can't be
heard above all the noise.
[Czech Republic prime minister premier Transportation]
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