Interview with Petr Bendl, Prefect of the Central Bohemian Region. Central Bohemia: An Example of Decentralization

– What are the objectives and activities of this prefecture? What changes have been introduced in the management of this region?
The current regions were created at the beginning of this year. The primary objective was decentralization of decision-making.
The Region is responsible for the management, career guidance and financing of schools and training centers.
Another of our responsibilities is traffic management, which includes the maintenance of second- and third-class roads (more than 8.000 kilometers) as well as the construction of new ones. From this perspective, this region is the most important in the Czech Republic. We also plan national development and intercity connections, transport infrastructure and protected areas, industrial zones, and so on.
There are, of course, the expected political problems inherent in any decentralization process. Decentralizing spending is easy, but what about revenue? Nevertheless, the process is unstoppable, and regions, as in the rest of Europe, will increasingly have a say.
– Doesn't the fact that there is increasing autonomy for the regions lead to greater differences between them?
That shouldn't happen. Nobody wants 14 "mini-states," nor does anyone want to have to collect their own taxes, set up customs, or create their own armies.
The regions have many common problems, so the regions communicate very well with each other.
– What is the relationship between the Region and the National Government?
The government is social democratic, but none of the prefects are social democrats. It's possible that one of the reasons the government stalled decentralization was because of the upcoming elections, and they preferred to carry out activities that resonate more with the public (such as funding school roof repairs) to win votes.
The biggest problem is determining how we will participate in drafting the General State Budget because this year we will be managing over 300 institutions and organizations, 250 schools, and some cultural institutions such as libraries and galleries. The challenge is how to finance all these activities. All of this is compounded by the burden of the Czech State's enormous deficit and the resulting public debt.
– Who is to blame for the government's debt?
It's a political discussion, but it would be valid if previous governments had also inherited a debt-free country. It's true that under a one-party government like the one before 1989, many important companies with ties to Russia also went bankrupt, so this deficit would have existed then as well. In any case, I maintain that in the Czech Republic the budget deficit is growing above 4%, with its negative effects on the economy.
Another problem is low productivity and the fact that two-thirds of the state budget is allocated to social security.
I don't want it to seem like I don't support this social system, but within it, a huge amount of money is spent and other problems are hidden. Indeed, the debt may predate this government, but the deficit has widened in the last period.
– What is your opinion of Mr. Klaus?
I believe Mr. Klaus is a supporter of the free market and freedom of choice, although he certainly doesn't like some of the European Community directives.
I think I realize that the basic rules of the game set by the countries of the European Union, their governments and parliaments, and most of these countries are social democratic.
For example, bananas of a certain age must be a specific size, or they cannot be sold in the European Union—a trivial matter from an economic standpoint. This is good for the internal market, but the question is whether it also applies to other countries and markets outside the European Union, because it might inconvenience countries that produce better bananas of different sizes.
Those who vote for Klaus are mostly in favor of joining the European Union; to our voters we say that yes, we want to join the European Union, but not as a second-class member, but as a full member.
Last week I had a meeting with the regions about joining the European Union and there is unanimity in understanding the advantages of an economic and political union when it comes to competing in a globalized world.
However, the government blames the European Union for enacting conflicting laws concerning businesses. And in many cases, this isn't true. But it does manage to worsen the EU's image among Czechs.
In this respect, time will play a crucial role in integration, as it is necessary to incorporate all the Community's recommendations into our legal system. Despite this, increasing obstacles are being placed in the way of the Czech Republic's entry into the European Union. The adoption of all these directives means that our businesses are already paying the price to be part of the European Union—without actually being one!
– What is the situation in Central Bohemia?
When Prague was just a village, Central Bohemia already existed as a state. Relations between Prague and Central Bohemia before the creation of the State of Regions were not particularly good. Currently, they have improved considerably, as both are destined to understand each other and establish a close level of collaboration to address a whole range of common problems, especially regarding transportation and tourism, because Prague residents travel to Central Bohemia not only for work but also for leisure.
– Do you believe that aid and subsidies are necessary for industry and agriculture in the Region?
Absolutely. It's essential to know how to allocate the funds. Central Bohemia is a relatively unknown region to tourists, but it's gradually being discovered by those who have already visited Prague and want to explore more of our country. Currently, we're promoting cycling and hiking routes.
Regarding businesses, we are prepared to create the necessary industrial zone infrastructure to drive development. Central Bohemia, although a very strong industrial region, suffers from high unemployment in some areas, and the workforce is accustomed to shift work. We want to support regional investments and plans to improve communications infrastructure as a basic requirement.