Former Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek Speaks About Cancer Battle and Fear of Death

Former Czech Prime Minister and leader of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) Mirek Topolánek gave an interview while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer, maintaining his rigorous schedule including daily fitness routines. The 68-year-old politician, who served as Czech Prime Minister from 2006 to 2009, spoke candidly about confronting mortality, stating that "anyone who says they are not afraid of death is either lying or crazy." Despite his health challenges, Topolánek continues to engage actively in public life, attributing his persistence to what he calls "Wallachian stubbornness," a reference to his roots in the Moravian-Wallachian region of the Czech Republic. The interview highlighted his uncompromising approach to both his health battle and his political commentary, including his insistence on specific terminology and word usage during the conversation.