Politician Ondřej Prokop: No one cares about tricksters. I keep agreements, because in today's world, honest values are disappearing.
Ing. Ondřej Prokop is the chairman of the ANO movement in Prague, a representative of the capital city of Prague and the Prague 11 municipal district, as well as a businessman. In the interview, we talked about the unconventional acquaintance with his wife Anna, about family, about luxury, or about the rule that governs not only in politics.
Mr. Prokop, you are the chairman of the ANO movement in Prague, representative of the capital city of Prague and the district of Prague 11. How do you manage everything?
It's not easy. In addition to what you mentioned, I must also remind you that politics is not my primary source of income, but my business, which I've been building since college. Fortunately, I have great partners and a team of people today who can take care of everything when I am short of time. I have slowly been getting used to the daily battle with time and priorities over the years, and I currently do not hold any leading position in the city council or city district. Even so, I often feel that I neglect my work, children or wife.
You have been in municipal politics for a long time. Are you considering entering top national politics too?
I am often asked this question lately, both by journalists and the public. And for the reasons mentioned in the previous response, I'm not planning on it. I believe that especially a politician should only do what he is 100 percent capable of, and I don't have much work capacity left. In Prague, I support fantastic colleagues for whom the House is a second home and who do excellent work at the local and national level. One such is my colleague Patrik Nacher.
You are known to be a very open politician who actively uses social media daily and, in addition, communicates directly with the citizens, for example, regular meetings with the citizens over a beer. In this close communication with your voters, do you have a political or even non-political role model?
It is natural for me. I got involved in politics as an activist, criticizing the then representation of ODS in Prague. I did not enter politics from some elite family, but from the ranks of ordinary citizens. I try to help and defend the interests of all who need it in politics. How else can I find out what currently bothers neighbors from my Southern City, for example, than to go for a beer with them, where we discuss everything? Our chairman Andrej Babiš works in the same way, who was able to find time for anyone who turned to him, even when he was prime minister.
You mentioned in one interview that ANO movement's marketing strategist Marek Prchal chose your wife Anna for you. How did that happen and how did he know your preferences?
I wouldn't say he chose her, rather I am very lucky that Anička chose me. However, it is true that he facilitated our first contact on a professional basis. At the time I was working at Prague 11 City Hall, where we were looking for someone to strengthen a dysfunctional press department. Marek Prchal sent me her resume, Anička won the selection process, started working at the city hall, and after several years of working together, a spark flew between us, as it sometimes happens.
What do you admire about your wife?
She despises cowards, hates lies and hypocrisy. These are values that she awakened in me and to a great extent, she changed me with them. Before I met my wife, I often hesitated whether to tell people the harsh truth face to face and I rather avoided confrontation. My wife taught me, that it is not worth beating around the bush, no matter how uncomfortable the situation is. For that, I am immensely grateful to her, and it is one of many reasons why I love her.
Do you have a wife and children at home. How do they handle your political career and your busyness?
I have two great children, an eleven-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter, both from a previous relationship. I try to split my time evenly between work and family, but it's of course demanding, like for every working parent. My children and wife are my priority and ensuring the happiness of this trio is another full-time job that I happily do and hope I do well.
What was the greatest joy your son brought you?
Recently, he outdid himself and learned to ski, despite his initial resistance. Skiing is my great passion and I hope that once he grows up a bit, we will start hitting the slopes in the Alps together. I try to encourage my son to do sports and show him that sporting activities are more fun than, for example, Xbox or a phone, which, like most of today's children, he is not very willing to set aside.
What's the best way to relax from politics?
Definitely by traveling. My wife and I love traveling and try to get away at least once every two months, even if it's just for an extended weekend. I admit, I can't switch off at home - my thoughts revolve around work, the phone is constantly ringing. I only find rest in new, unfamiliar places, whether in the Czech Republic or abroad, which completely engross me and don't allow me to think about work.
Have you recently used something that you learned at school?
My long-term memory for formulas or definitions is not the best, but I still use something more important. In addition to general knowledge, I have also gained friends and acquaintances at various schools, and I still rely on them. Long-term verified relationships are irreplaceable. At university, my master's program in particular taught me systematic work. This was an excellent preparation for political projects, which often require a lot of energy, time and self-confidence.
Is there any rule that you follow, not only in politics?
Keeping agreements. Politicians basically only have their word. When you make a political deal, you have to keep it, otherwise you risk losing the trust of your partners. Nobody is interested in deceiving. Honesty, integrity and equality used to be given, but it seems to me that these values are fading in today's time. These traits are crucial in politics. It is also important to be authentic. Don't pretend, have a clear opinion and be able to defend it. I don't like politicians who talk a lot, but in reality, they don't say anything and you have no clue what they really think about the problem.
What does the word LUXURY mean to you and how has its meaning changed over time?
Luxury for me means having free time just for myself. Moments when I can read in peace or go out for a run. The pursuit of luxury in the form of expensive cars and designer clothes is thankfully behind me. When I was young and starting my business, I had a tendency to accumulate expensive things and by that flaunt success. Today, with the passage of time, I know that things (even expensive ones) will not truly make a person happy.
What would you like to experience in your life?
I dream of renting a motorcycle in New York and riding it across the USA to Los Angeles. I'd also like to conquer the Pacific Crest Trail on foot. However, both require months of free time, a luxury that I currently can't imagine.
What are your plans for the summer?
I prefer mountains because I can't stand high temperatures. In the heat, I can't sleep or focus on work. That's why my wife and I regularly head to cooler mountain areas in summer. The end of August belongs to a long-standing tradition with a friend: we set off with a bunch of our kids to Czech campsites in a caravan. We want children to experience the magic of campfires and roasting sausages, swimming in a pond, and night games. In short, everything we experienced as boys in the countryside at grandma and grandpa's, long before the era of mobile phones and wellness hotels.
And what would you like to ask me?
Who do you think will win this year's Ice Hockey World Championship?
I believe that the Czechs, even though they won the first two matches, it definitely won't be easy.
Thank you for the interview.
