News site: Fischer unofficially launches presidential campaign

According to news site idnes, former prime minister Jan Fischer has officially launched his campaign for the post of Czech president. The daily notes that the popular politician – who led a provisional government following the fall of Mirek Topolánek’s cabinet in 2009 – put up a new video on facebook in which he speaks to viewers about his hopes for the Czech Republic and about his commitment to the country. The video shows the presidential hopeful at his cottage, in a casual light, introducing himself as “Honza” (the informal version of Jan). idnes notes that in the video he never once mentions the word ‘president’. Mr Fischer has not gotten the backing of any party so far, which means he will need 50,000 signatures to become an official candidate. A number of opinion polls have suggested he could be a strong front-runner in the Czech Republic's first direct election.

Author: Jan Velinger