Should Czech republic issue a referendum on leaving

Should Czech republic issue a referendum on leaving the EU? Andrej Kolárik, MV 4

Introduction • Vis-a-vis the migrant crisis, the question of whether to remain part of the EU is being again part of the debate in Czech Republic. • It is worth stating from the outset that/By way of introduction we should point out that the advocates are being morally supported by the upcoming Brexit referendum in the UK. • So should Czech republic issue a referendum on leaving the EU?

Who are the advocates? • Initially/By way of introduction /At the beginning , let us look at the advocates. • One of the main critics of the EU in Czech Republic aside from former president Vaclav Klaus is also the leader of the SPD movement Tomio Okamura • The name of his party translates as Party of Direct Democracy. • Being himself half-Japanese he strongly opposes islamisation of the EU.

National interest • There are several issues ought to be noticed/Supposedly there are several ways of looking at this problem: • National interests • Democracy • Russian influence • According to various Czech politicians, discussions about the issue should be dismissed, as it questions Czech national interests. • They argue/state/point out that one of the pillars of Czech foreign policy is EU membership. • Questionning such an issue would make the country less reliable to foreign powers.

Democracy • If look at the issue from the perspective/With reference to the question /Turning to the question of democracy and popular sovereignty, we should bear in mind that also enterring to the EU was a subject of referendum in 2003 • Given the current (in)capablity of EU in dealing with migrants, people should once again be asked. • They point out/stress/argue/say that denying this right to people is a threat to democracy

Russian influence? • If look at the geopolitical aspect/Geopolitically/Speaking of Geopolitics in regard of the Czexit, there also two ways of looking at the problem • The proeuropean side states/argues/stresses that leaving the EU would put the country in the Russain sphere of orbit • Okamura counters them by claiming/underlining the fact/pointing out that retaining NATO membership would prevent them becoming a Russian puppet.

Russian influence? • He goes on/He countinues by questionning what is the down side of being a Russian puppet ? Lower gas fees? • What is more/Moreover Czech republic would regain national sovereignty

Advice • Therefore, in my opinion is we should allow the Czexit referendum. • Disallowing such referendum would makes us look as hypocrites, who have many words about democracy, however when the citizens should be given a voice. • If the voter turnout would be low, of which there might be a heavy chance, the results are not binding. • Also we can take inspiration from referendum in scotland, where the Scots decided to remain in the UK