The field “Purpose” on bank transfer forms is usually filled with endless invoice numbers or carelessly left blank. The Czech electorate has now discovered the 140 characters as a place for political messages. Half as much as a tweet, but for an “I’m your fan!” that’s enough. The “Reference” field, another 35 characters, can also be used, for example for the number 17111989 as a reminder of the Velvet Revolution.
A new head of state will be elected in the Czech Republic in mid-January, and it could be a female president for the first time. The regulations for the candidates include a transparent campaign account. Income, expenses, by whom, for what and the total amount of the budget can be freely viewed by everyone.
Regarding his donation of the equivalent of 200,000 euros to the economist and most recently rector of the Mendel University in Brno, Danuše Nerudová, an entrepreneur wrote on the transfer slip: “Yesterday I had a son. He deserves a homeland with a future in which the President is a Democrat.” Another donates 100 crowns, about four euros, and writes: “I keep my fingers crossed!”
The bank statements show what this election is about: a new generation
The 43-year-old, campaign slogan “Hope for better times”, is expected to be in a close race with the former chairman of the NATO military committee, Petr Pavel, and Andrej Babiš, prime minister until a year ago. He is currently receiving a large number of donations. However, often no higher than a Heller. “For a language course,” writes one. The former prime minister often mixes his mother tongue, Slovak, with Czech to create a peculiar mix.
“For the economically independent candidate,” reads another message. The fifth richest man in the Czech Republic earned his millions with fertilizer and toast, among other things. The EU saw him as an entrepreneur and prime minister in a conflict of interest. A lawsuit is currently underway against the 68-year-old because he is said to have fraudulently obtained EU subsidies. “For the lawyer” is the purpose of some Heller donations. Or: “For jogging pants. It’s getting cold in the building.” A bitter comment reads: “For thousands of corona deaths.” Some dispensers rhyme, others just rabble. “Go. PLEASE,” reads an appeal. Poetic: “For the journey home to the country where there are the best Halušky.” A kind of Slovak spaetzle.
Also General A. D. Petr Pavel, 61 years old, slogan “Let’s restore order and calm to the Czech Republic”, occasionally receives such intentional gifts. Often with reference to his membership in the Communist Party before 1989. And so a look at the bank statements shows what many of these elections are about: a new generation. Babiš is accused of having been a Stasi employee. Nerudová was a child at the time of reunification. Her followers hope to leave the old days behind with her.
The polls may see Pavel and Babiš just ahead. According to the bank statements, Nerudová has the best chance. She receives the kindest wishes and the most money. Your competitors, on the other hand, are only worth a measly penny to some voters.