Former Czech Leader Supposedly Provided Unauthorized Alcohol to Polish President
Loosin' It Up with Miloš Zeman!
The notorious, booze-славовитц-boostin' ex-President of the Czech Republic
Former Czech President Miloš Zeman, renowned for his controversial days in office (2013-2023), is said to have doled out bottles of bootlegged slavovitz to high-ranking foreign dignitaries, such as Poland's President Andrzej Duda, as per reports from Czech news outlet Seznam Zprávy.
This wild antic has propelled a storm of questions regarding the legitimacy of such gifts and the Czech presidency's state protocols under Zeman. The report, based on police investigation records, indicates that the ex-prez was a regular supplier of slavovitz, unmarked with the proper excise tax stamps, as diplomatic tokens. Some esteemed recipients include Duda, Hungarian President Katalin Novák, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and even Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani - which is a bit of a head-scratcher, given alcohol is prohibited in Islamic law. Duda allegedly collected ten bottles during his visits to the Czech capital, Prague.
Vodka-Vodka-Whoa Mamma!
The boozy gifts formed part of an in-depth investigation into irregularities within the administration of the Czech presidential office under Zeman. Investigators dug deep into the origin, cost, and authenticity of the bottles, which were often filled with leftover alcohol from other gifts Zeman received. The liquor was transferred into fancy bottles branded with Zeman's autograph. These bottles were purportedly bought for a cool 3,000 Czech koruna ($140) each from a company mainly known for auto repair work and lacking a license for alcohol distribution.
Despite the gambling with regulations, Czech law enforcement agencies concluded no criminal activity took place here or in the procurement process. However, the current admin, led by President Petr Pavel, has yet to make up their mind on reprimanding potential violations.
Liquor Fiasco: International Fallout
The shocking truth comes at a time when Duda's pals-with-Zeman status has already drawn heat. In September 2024, Duda came under fire for attending Zeman's extravagant 80th birthday shindig alongside other leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Naysayers argued that Duda's attendance cast doubt on his bona fides as a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its ongoing battle with Russia, considering Zeman's history of pro-Russian stances.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosława Sikorski stood up to Duda, calling out his questionable choices, suggesting they were sending mixed signals about Poland's foreign policy priorities. "I reckon Mr. President should pick his buddies more carefully," Sikorski allegedly told reporters.
The Dark Side of Zeman's Tenure
Zeman, a magnet for controversy in Czech politics, has been berated for his close ties with Russia and China. Throughout his reign, he championed Russian participation in sensitive projects like the Dukovany Nuclear Power Station expansion and downplayed accusations of Russian involvement in incidents, such as the 2014 Vrbétice munitions depot explosions. However, his stance shifted post-2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, making him a Putin critic and advocate for economic sanctions against Moscow.
The bootleg booze scandal is just another layer in Zeman's contentious legacy. While slavovitz as a gift of goodwill is prevalent in Central European culture, the use here raises eyebrows about adherence to diplomatic norms and legal standards.
Spirited Controversy
For Duda, the scandal showcases the complexities of international diplomacy and the potential pitfalls of hooking up with contentious characters. While there's no sign Duda or other recipients knew about the shady origins of the gifts, the episode emphasizes the importance of transparency and responsibility in state-level exchanges.
As more details emerge, this story serves as a reminder that balancing tradition with legality is crucial in diplomatic practices and that a small misstep can lead to significant reputational damage.
It's a Scandal!
Wanna stay in the loop with juicy Polish news every Saturday? Sign up below, and we'll keep you in the know without spamming you!
Confirm Subscription Now!
- Miloš Zeman, the former President of Czech Republic, is under scrutiny for offering diplomatic tokens in the form of unmarked bottles of slavovitz to foreign dignitaries during his tenure (2013-2023).
- Some of the recipients of these gifts include President Andrzej Duda of Poland, Katalin Novák of Hungary, Isaac Herzog of Israel, and Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
- Cecch news outlet Seznam Zprávy reported that these bottles were filled with leftover alcohol from other gifts Zeman received, transferred into fancy bottles branded with his autograph, and bought for 3,000 Czech koruna ($140) each from a company lacking an alcohol distribution license.
- Despite some irregularities found in the investigation, no criminal activity was reported, but the current Czech administration led by President Petr Pavel is yet to comment on potential violations.
- Duda's camaraderie with Zeman has drawn criticism, especially after he attended Zeman's extravagant 80th birthday party in September 2024 alongside other leaders.
- Polish Foreign Minister Radosława Sikorski rebuked Duda, suggesting he should be more mindful of his associations due to their potential impact on foreign policy and national image.
- Zeman's close ties with Russia and China and his often polarizing policy on Russia have been a constant source of controversy during his presidency.
- The bootleg booze scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and responsibility in state-level exchanges, emphasizing the potential risks associated with ignoring diplomatic norms and legal standards.
