Czech minister knows nothing about Cunek's Romany policy plan
Deputy PM Jiri Cunek’s words concerning Czech politicians’ approach to Romanies are "clearly at odds with the government policy statement, with the values of democratic society and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms," minister Dzamila Stehlikova said today.
Stehlikova (Greens, SZ), minister in charge of human rights and ethnic minorities, said that her communication with Cunek (Christian Democrats, KDU-CSL) is problem free.
"When we talk to each other or at cabinet meetings, he makes no utterances similar to those he made in [the tabloid] Blesk. I always learn them from the media only. It is a problem for me how to react, as the impression arises as if we discuss things in this way in the government," Stehlikova said.
Blesk quoted Cunek on Friday as saying while answering the question of whether other people would receive state subsidies similar to those received by Romanies:
"For this they will have to get sunburnt (alluding to Romanies’ colour of skin), make a mess with your family, put up fires in the square and only then will some politicians say – you are really a poor man."
His words caused uproar not only among politicians. The Greens want a special coalition meeting to be held to discuss the conduct of Cunek, who in addition has been prosecuted on suspicion of fraud.
Earlier today, Romanies from among university students called Cunek’s words reactionary. They said, however, that they do not believe that such slanderous words could address Czech society.
The students told CTK that they do not plan any steps against Cunek.
Stehlikova also said she has no information about the Romany integration policy Cunek reportedly wants to come up with in three months.
Last week Cunek indicated that he is working on a "clear, concrete, practical and mainly feasible plan that will push the issue forwards."
Stehlikova said she has heard about Cunek’s alleged plan from the media only. According to her, such plans can only arise in cooperation of experts from more areas.
The problem of social exclusion is addressed by the Labour Ministry, education by the Education Ministry, while Romany issues are solved by the Government Council for Romany Affairs, Stehlikova said.
The staff from the Local Development Ministry, headed by Cunek, cooperate on solving the problem of housing, Stehlikova said, adding that her office should coordinate the work of all [on the Romany integration policy].
Cunek was catapulted to the media attention last autumn as, in his capacity as mayor of Vsetin, north Moravia, he moved hundreds of Romanies from a dilapidated house, resettling some in container-like flats on the town outskirts and others in old houses elsewhere in Moravia.
The step raised broad criticism from Romanies, human rights activists and many politicians, but observers say it helped pave his way to high politics.
