Final Word from Monday, February 3, 2014
MP Jaroslav Faltýnek of ANO said with a straight face last week on Hyde Park that he doesn't understand the people who criticize his decision to remain on the boards of Agrofert companies. He's also chair of Parliament's agricultural committee, but he denies having a conflict of interest and insists that he'll work on behalf of the entire farm sector. If he sets a new standard, what will keep some of the other oligarchs from going on a hiring spree? Agel or Penta, with interests in healthcare, could retain the services of the chairman of the health committee, Rostislav Vyzula. BXR, J&T, KKCG, Penta and PPF could all "help their industries" by getting a piece of Ivan Pilný, chair of the economics committee. Václav Votava, who heads the budget committee, could sit on the board of a bank, insurer or lottery company. Or is perhaps Agrofert the only company whose interests coincide exactly with those of the sector it operates in? [Czech Republic Zdeněk Bakala Five Families]
Glossary of difficult words
with a straight face - with a blank or serious facial expression (not smiling or laughing);
spree - a spell or sustained period of unrestrained activity of a particular kind;
to get a piece of something or someone - to share in the activities or benefits of.