In Chomutov, the SPD–Motorists Coalition Hands Out Discount Cards Ahead of Elections

In the Czech city of Chomutov, a coalition of the SPD, Motorists for Themselves, PRO, Svobodní (Free Citizens) and Trikolóra parties has launched a project called "Chomutov for Itself" — a network of discounts at local businesses for holders of a special card. The news comes from the project's own website, first flagged by the watchdog outlet Hlídací pes.

According to the initiative's website, the project "connects Chomutov residents with local shops, services, restaurants and entrepreneurs" willing to offer specific discounts and perks. The site separately thanks members, supporters and volunteers of the participating parties for negotiating with project partners.

Anyone interested can get a card that is valid at a number of Chomutov establishments and entitles the holder to a discount. For example, the delicatessen Osada, owned by entrepreneur and PRO party manager Matej Drbohlav, offers cardholders a 5% discount, while the Wekus biogas plant, owned by Chomutov city councillor Jiří Weber, offers 10% off. Weber, incidentally, is running in the elections on the coalition list bearing the very same name, "Chomutov for Itself." The list of partner businesses offering reduced prices to cardholders is fairly extensive. The site is operated by Number 1 CZ, a company linked to SPD marketing specialist Martin Legnavský.

What the Watchdog Says

According to Jan Outlý of the oversight body, there is little doubt that the website serves as a pre-election tool for the coalition of the same name. "The activity looks like a legitimate way of reaching out to voters — one that, while not usually taking such a specific form, is fairly standard practice among parties running in elections," he said.

At the same time, Outlý believes that neither those offering the discounts and other perks, nor those receiving them, automatically become supporters of the party in question — meaning there is no question of "bribing" voters. "In other words: the discounts and other bonuses provided do not constitute sponsorship of the participating political parties and movements," the official explained.

Not a Scandal, But Not the Norm Either

Constitutional law expert Marek Antoš likewise considers the situation unusual but not illegal. The Criminal Code provides for up to three years' imprisonment for anyone who "provides, offers or promises another person, or in their interest, a financial, material or other similar benefit in connection with the exercise of voting rights, so that the person votes against their own free will." In the lawyer's assessment, this provision does not apply to the discount card project.

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Source: novinky.cz