Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09
Encyclopedia
TOP 09 is a fiscally conservative
political party in the Czech Republic
, led by Karel Schwarzenberg
and noted for its support of the free market
and the European Union, and condemnation of populism
. TOP 09 holds 41 seats in the Chamber of Deputies
.
The party was founded on 11 June 2009 by Miroslav Kalousek
as a pro-free market split from the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party. Leader Karel Schwarzenberg
became the party's first leader.
Based on voting preferences polls, the party soon enjoyed popularity as the second strongest right-wing party (the Civic Democrats (ODS) being the first), as was confirmed during 2010 parliament elections
, where 16.70% voted for TOP 09 and 20.22% for ODS.
TOP09 is in the current government with the ODS and the Public Affairs
. In this government TOP09 has five ministerial officers:
In September 2010 TOP09 applied to join the European People's Party
as a member. Karel Schwarzenberg
has already officially participated in two EPP summits (15 September and 16 December 2010). On 10 February 2011 TOP 09 has officially been granted permission to join the EPP.
Fiscal conservatism
Fiscal conservatism is a political term used to describe a fiscal policy that advocates avoiding deficit spending. Fiscal conservatives often consider reduction of overall government spending and national debt as well as ensuring balanced budget of paramount importance...
political party in the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
, led by Karel Schwarzenberg
Karel Schwarzenberg
Karel Schwarzenberg or Karel, Prince of Schwarzenberg , 7...
and noted for its support of the free market
Free market
A free market is a competitive market where prices are determined by supply and demand. However, the term is also commonly used for markets in which economic intervention and regulation by the state is limited to tax collection, and enforcement of private ownership and contracts...
and the European Union, and condemnation of populism
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
. TOP 09 holds 41 seats in the Chamber of Deputies
Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic
The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of the Czech Republic. The seat of the Chamber of Deputies is situated in palaces in Malá Strana, Prague....
.
The party was founded on 11 June 2009 by Miroslav Kalousek
Miroslav Kalousek
Miroslav Kalousek is a Czech politician, who currently serves as the Finance Minister. He is also the First Deputy Chairman of the Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09, the party he founded....
as a pro-free market split from the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party. Leader Karel Schwarzenberg
Karel Schwarzenberg
Karel Schwarzenberg or Karel, Prince of Schwarzenberg , 7...
became the party's first leader.
Based on voting preferences polls, the party soon enjoyed popularity as the second strongest right-wing party (the Civic Democrats (ODS) being the first), as was confirmed during 2010 parliament elections
Czech legislative election, 2010
A legislative election in the Czech Republic took place on 28–29 May 2010. The election had been expected to take place some time before the end of 2009 to elect the members of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic...
, where 16.70% voted for TOP 09 and 20.22% for ODS.
TOP09 is in the current government with the ODS and the Public Affairs
Public Affairs (political party)
Public Affairs , abbreviated to VV, is a conservative liberal political party in the Czech Republic. Led by anti-establishment investigative journalist and writer Radek John, its main platform is transparency and opposing political corruption. It has 24 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.Besides...
. In this government TOP09 has five ministerial officers:
- Karel SchwarzenbergKarel SchwarzenbergKarel Schwarzenberg or Karel, Prince of Schwarzenberg , 7...
– Minister of Foreign Affairs - Miroslav KalousekMiroslav KalousekMiroslav Kalousek is a Czech politician, who currently serves as the Finance Minister. He is also the First Deputy Chairman of the Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09, the party he founded....
– Minister of Finance - Jaromír DrábekJaromír DrábekJaromír Drábek is a Czech politician, who currently serves as the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He is also the Deputy Chairman of the Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09....
– Minister of Labour and Social Affairs - Leoš Heger – Minister of Health
- Jiří Besser – Minister of Culture
In September 2010 TOP09 applied to join the European People's Party
European People's Party
The European People's Party is a pro-European centre-right European political party. The EPP was founded in 1976 by Christian democratic parties, but later it increased its membership to include conservative parties and parties of other centre-right perspectives.The EPP is the most influential of...
as a member. Karel Schwarzenberg
Karel Schwarzenberg
Karel Schwarzenberg or Karel, Prince of Schwarzenberg , 7...
has already officially participated in two EPP summits (15 September and 16 December 2010). On 10 February 2011 TOP 09 has officially been granted permission to join the EPP.