Šumava National Park and its municipalities: Šumava National Park and its municipalities: The case of post-material cleavages?
Abstract
The discussion over Šumava National Park and its future not only affects the municipalities in its area, but also many other actors. Local municipalities depend mainly on income from tourism and they often feel that they cannot fully develop; environmentalists, on the other hand, seek to increase the extent of the protected areas.
This conflict affects the public discussion and may lead to a change in legislature, coalition disputes, or even the collapse of the government. The paper examines whether it is possible to analyse this conflict using the concept of post-material cleavages.
First, the context of the conflict and the main controversial points are presented. Consequently, the attitudes of stakeholders and the most important political consequences are analysed at both local and national level.