Czech Senate President Vystrčil: 'Freedom Comes with Responsibility,' Resilience and Security More Important Than Immediate Gains

(Central News Agency, reporter Yang Yaoru, Taipei, 3rd) Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil stated today that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential election. He noted that Taiwan's complete transformation into a democratic polity since 1996, a peaceful process, is a similarity between the Czech Republic and Taiwan. He emphasized that 'freedom comes with responsibility' and that resilience and security are more important than immediate interests or temporary happiness, and are based on respect for the people and their values. This must never be forgotten.

The 'Havel Dialogue: Human Rights and Responsibility in a Changing World' forum, organized by the Czech Taipei Centre, was held in the morning. Former President Tsai Ing-wen delivered the opening remarks, and Vystrčil gave a keynote speech. Taiwan's Representative to the Czech Republic, Chen Li-kuo, and Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, David Steinke, also attended.

Vystrčil spoke about 'three 30th anniversaries,' stating they are closely related to what is happening in the world and symbolically connect Taiwan, the Czech Senate, and former Czech President Václav Havel. First, on March 23, 1996, Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, marking a complete transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic polity.

Vystrčil said this process was carried out peacefully, and in this regard, the Czech Republic and Taiwan share similarities, which are unique in the world. He urged everyone to be proud of this and once again expressed his highest respect and congratulations.

Vystrčil mentioned that before departing for Taiwan, he celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Czech Senate's Constitutional Convention with Czech senators and adopted 'Senate faithful to freedom' as the Senate's motto. He stressed that one must never forget that freedom means responsibility. It is impossible to be faithful to freedom while ignoring responsibility. Being faithful only to freedom can evolve into populism, or even anarchy.

Regarding the third 30th anniversary, Vystrčil noted that in a speech titled 'Europe as a Task' on May 15, 1996, Havel mentioned that the word 'Europe' originates from the Semitic Akkadian word 'erbu,' meaning dusk. Now, in Europe and the world, a phase of development is ending, and dusk is approaching. But after dusk comes dawn. The current task is to do everything possible to let the life-giving sun rise again.

Vystrčil said that mutual cooperation is the common task, and it is the task of all democratic and free countries. By protecting and supporting each other, we can jointly strengthen security, enhance our own competitiveness, and bolster our resilience and strategic autonomy.

'Freedom comes with responsibility,' Vystrčil emphasized. The importance of resilience and security outweighs temporary happiness and immediate interests. Security, resilience, and the rule of law are the fruits of democracy, guaranteeing a bright future. Their nourishment comes from respect for the people and their rights, and respect for values.

Vystrčil is scheduled to attend the unveiling ceremony of the 'Havel Bench' in the afternoon. He said this is not only to commemorate Havel but also to re-emphasize the importance and significance of dialogue, which is the foundation of trust and cooperation. This is crucial and concerns the future of the world. (Editor: Xie Jiazhen) 1150603