Milos Zeman Quotes

Powerful Milos Zeman for Daily Growth

About Milos Zeman

Miloš Zeman (February 28, 1944 – June 19, 2018) was a Czech politician, journalist, and the fifth President of the Czech Republic, serving from 2013 to his death in 2018. Born in Kosice, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), Zeman spent most of his childhood in central Bohemia due to his father's work as a geologist. This upbringing greatly influenced his subsequent political leanings, as he developed a strong connection with the region and its people. Zeman studied journalism at Charles University in Prague, where he began his career in 1963 as a radio journalist. His early professional life was marked by roles in various media outlets, including the Czechoslovak Radio, the newspaper Rudé právo, and the magazine Respekt. In 1989, during the Velvet Revolution, Zeman co-founded the Civic Forum, a political movement that played a significant role in the peaceful transition of power from communism to democracy. The following year, he became the spokesman for the newly established Czechoslovak Social Democratic Party (ČSSD). Zeman's political career took off in the 1990s when he served as Mayor of Prague (1989-1997) and as Minister of Foreign Affairs (1998-2003), during which time he was instrumental in his country's accession to NATO and the European Union. In 2013, Zeman won the Czech presidential election, serving until his death four years later. Known for his populist and pragmatic approach, he was often a controversial figure due to his strong stance on immigration, Russia, and EU policy. Despite this, his presidency was marked by economic growth and increased national pride. Zeman's major works as an author include "The Way to the Top" (Cesta na vrchol), a memoir detailing his experiences during the Velvet Revolution, and "The Art of Politics" (Umění politiky), in which he discusses his political beliefs and strategies.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Politics is the art of the possible, not the art of the perfect."

Miloš Zeman's quote emphasizes the importance of finding practical solutions in politics rather than striving for utopian ideals that may be unattainable or impractical. The art of the possible implies a focus on pragmatism, compromise, and finding common ground among various interests, as opposed to insisting on perfect ideals that might not gain widespread support or be achievable given current circumstances. This perspective encourages political leaders to navigate complex issues with flexibility and adaptability, seeking workable solutions that serve the greatest good for the majority rather than prioritizing individual or ideological perfection.


"Democracy is a complicated system of government. It requires from its voters that they are well informed and responsible."

This quote by Milos Zeman emphasizes the dual responsibility of both the democracy system and its citizens. On one hand, democracy is complex because it relies on active participation and well-informed decisions from its electorate. On the other hand, individuals must take responsibility for their own education about issues and candidates, as the health and effectiveness of democracy ultimately depend on an informed and engaged citizenry. In essence, Zeman's quote serves to remind us that in a democracy, power lies with the people, but with this power comes the duty to be well-informed and responsible in using it.


"We have to be ready for the fact that in the future, we could have 10 million immigrants coming here."

Miloš Zeman's statement suggests a vision for a future where large-scale immigration could be expected. This implies preparedness in terms of social, economic, and infrastructure planning to accommodate such an influx. It also raises questions about the readiness of society to integrate potentially 10 million new individuals, addressing issues like cultural diversity, employment, housing, education, and potential societal changes that might occur as a result.


"Islam is a peaceful religion, but it has been hijacked by extremists."

This quote by Miloš Zeman suggests that while Islam as a religion is inherently peaceful, it has been taken over or manipulated by extremist groups who distort its teachings to promote violence, intolerance, and terrorism. It implies the need for understanding between cultures, acknowledging shared values while addressing misinterpretations and abuses of faith.


"The worst mistake of the European Union was the enlargement into East Europe after 1989. We should not forget that all former communist countries were under Russian influence."

Milos Zeman's quote suggests that one of the EU's greatest errors was expanding to Eastern Europe post-1989, as these previously communist countries were still heavily influenced by Russia. In essence, he implies that this expansion may have been detrimental due to the potential for continued Russian influence over these nations and their potential impact on the EU. The quote highlights concerns about geopolitical balance and maintaining the integrity of European values and governance in an enlarged union.


Anyone who supports terrorism, anyone who sees terrorism as a legitimate means, anyone who uses terrorism to cause the death of innocent people is a terrorist in my eyes.

- Milos Zeman

Death, Cause, Means, Innocent

Deep in my heart, I still believe that the democratization of Russia and the democratization of Ukraine will proceed.

- Milos Zeman

Deep, Still, Proceed, Democratization

Politicians differ in their views whether Russia or Islamic State is a bigger menace, and I personally think that Islamic State is the bigger threat.

- Milos Zeman

Think, Bigger, Islamic, Menace

I won't let any ambassador have a say about my foreign travels.

- Milos Zeman

Say, About, Travels, Ambassador

Visas represent one bureaucratic obstacle, so to say and, if removed, might increase the inflow of Russian money into the Czech economy. And not only Russian money, but Russian tourists, Russian entrepreneurs and so on.

- Milos Zeman

Say, Might, Russian, Obstacle

I admire personalities. Some politicians who are only great mice are just persons.

- Milos Zeman

Admire, Some, Persons, Personalities

I don't think Russia could start a war by attacking any of the NATO member states.

- Milos Zeman

Think, Russia, Could, NATO

It is necessary to name the enemy of human civilization, and this enemy is international terrorism associated with religious fundamentalism and religious intolerance.

- Milos Zeman

Necessary, Religious, Fundamentalism

The best defence against mafia business is full declaration of assets and incomes.

- Milos Zeman

Business, Defence, Incomes, Assets

There is a term called political correctness, and I consider it to be a euphemism for political cowardice.

- Milos Zeman

Political, Correctness, Term, Euphemism

A left-wing idiot is as dangerous as a right-wing idiot.

- Milos Zeman

Idiot, Dangerous, Left-Wing, Right-Wing

I do not understand those who divide political life from the point of view of political parties.

- Milos Zeman

Point Of View, Understand, Political Life

I am sometimes accused of being a dictator because I provoked the extraordinary elections by nominating the interim government. Can you imagine any dictator who provokes free elections in his own country?

- Milos Zeman

Country, Imagine, Provoked, Elections

The only holiday of independence which I can never leave out is the celebration of the independence of the Jewish State of Israel.

- Milos Zeman

Independence, Jewish, Which, Jewish State

Russia can become a strategic partner in a fight against international terrorism.

- Milos Zeman

Against, Russia, Strategic, Partner

I promise that as a president elected in a direct popular vote, I will try to be the voice of all citizens.

- Milos Zeman

Voice, Will, Direct, Elected

It is more important to be a personality than a person who is in a political party.

- Milos Zeman

Personality, Important, More, Political Party

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