Bottom left: Is a change in government looming? TOP 09 would have to find a superstar

In recent weeks, Helena Langšádlová’s team has been massively supplying the media with information about what the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation actually does in the government. The reason for the offensive is simple: The politician defends herself against criticism of the TOP 09 section so much that she is not seen much in the government. And I’m also thinking about replacing it.

Dissatisfaction with the minister’s work is all the more painful in the party, as the transition to a modern economy and new technologies and the support of innovation are an important topic for TOP 09. So the party takes a lackluster performance in office as a missed chance.

“Of course, Helena Langšádlová is having a hard time, because she is fighting with scientists, she wants to change their funding so that it depends more on specific performances, which not everyone likes,” says Václav Dolejší.

“I would almost bet that the exchange would have happened a long time ago if TOP 09 had someone stellar for this position,” believes Lucie Stuchlíková.

The young vice president Matěj Ondřej Havel is being talked about as a possible successor to Langšádlová. “Then there is the possibility of a foreign star,” thinks Dolejší. “But it would have to be a real blast. A name that makes academics and the media sit on their backs,” adds Stuchlíková.

Would you have your photo taken in a nuclear reactor? How little can a PhD student take before he starves to death? And why does the Czech Republic have more innovation strategies than Silicon Valley? Listen to a fresh episode of Bottom Left!

Down on the left