In Christmas address President Zeman praises government, weighs in on migrant crisis

In his annual Christmas address to the nation President Milǒs Zeman praised the government for unleashing the economy from what he called a straight jacket of austerity measures which had been introduced by previous centre-right governments. In his speech, he highlighted as crucial economic growth matched with low unemployment, a rise in the average monthly wage and improvement in old age pensions. Likewise, he praised 'economic diplomacy' pursued by the government as well as himself, with China, South Korea and other countries in Asia.

Noting past criticism charging that he lacked vision for the country, he reminded viewers watching the televised broadcast that he held in the highest regard the Scandinavian model of government, with high taxes, a tiered tax system, and strong social and health services.

President Zeman completed his address by discussing Europe's migrant crisis, questioning why lone young men forming part of the influx hadn't taken up arms against Islamic State to free their "own country". He called the migrant crisis "an invasion" and also responded to an NGO slogan from November 17 saying that refugees were welcome, by saying the Czech Republic was the Czechs' own and "did not and could not belong to all". The Christmas address was Mr Zeman's third since taking office.