Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš spent over €600 on a globe to locate Greenland amid geopolitical tensions.
Expensive Purchase for Geography Lesson
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš purchased a globe for 15,000 koronas (over 600 euros) to learn exactly where Greenland is located, he told journalists. The 71-year-old politician faced numerous mocking comments on social media, with one internet user criticizing: “He doesn’t even have basic knowledge from school.”
Globe vs. Flat Maps
Babiš later published a video explaining the situation, saying with self-irony: “Some people laugh at me because they have a different brain than me.” He explained that on a regular world map, Greenland appears larger than it actually is, while only on a globe can one see the actual proportions of Greenland’s area compared to the United States or Europe. Additionally, he noted that one can “very plastically” see how close Greenland is to Russia and how Russian rockets could fly over the North Pole to North America.
Hope for Diplomatic Solution
Babiš, a self-proclaimed fan of US President Donald Trump, did not take a clear position on the US threat toward Greenland. On one hand, he emphasized that Greenland “of course” belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. On the other hand, he called on Denmark and the US to resolve the dispute diplomatically.
“I hope everything will end well and the allies will reach an agreement,” said Babiš. The billionaire and founder of the right-wing populist ANO party has been head of government for the third time since December.
