Konserwatywny liberalizm Václava Klausa
Liberal conservatism of Václav Klaus

Summary/Abstract: Vaclav Klaus is an example of a politician who can combine liberal and conserva¬tive ideas. The division line goes between an economic sphere and a political and so¬cial one. In the economic sphere, Klaus supports a free market which functions on the basis of economic rights only. He emphasizes a fundamental meaning of private prop¬erty and the freedom of business activity. He also indicates that satisfying your indi¬vidual needs and ambitions, and not an altruistic activity in favour of other people, is the base of progress. However, he presents his conservative opinions in social issues and those related to the philosophy of life. Klaus is an adversary of the so-called civ¬ic society, because he thinks that in a democratic order the citizens’ activity should be organised within the frameworks of a party system. He criticises non-governmen¬tal organizations, especially ecological movements, which he accuses of the desire to stop progress of civilisation and economic development. In case of Klaus, we do not deal with an effort to "liberalise” conservative ideas but with equal co-existence of liberal and conservative views within the frameworks of one attitude. It should be emphasised that views presented by Klaus since the beginning of his public activity have been constant and - which is rare in case of an active politician - they seem not to be subject to a political situation.

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