Photographs: David W Cerny/Reuters
Vladimir Franz nicknamed 'Avatar', whose 90 per cent of the body is covered in tattoo, is running at a surprising third place in polls ahead of this week's Czech Republic a presidential election.
A performing arts professor, Franz, has no political experience and confesses to having little knowledge of economics.
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This 90 pc tattooed hunk could be Czech's new prez
Image: Vladimir Franz attends a rally in PraguePhotographs: David W Cerny/Reuters
He said that he only 'threw his hat in the ring' after friends begged him to shake up the race through his shock factor.
According to the Telegraph, Franz is not short of admirers in a country where voters are tired of corrupt politicians, who have always failed to deliver their promises.
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This 90 pc tattooed hunk could be Czech's new prez
Image: Supporters of Vladimir Franz carry banners of him as they prepare an election campaign rally in PraguePhotographs: Petr Josek/Reuters
One in nine voters are believed to be planning on backing the 53-year-old opera composer and painter in the January 11 and 12 presidential elections after a 㾻,000 election campaign that didn't even include posters.
Not affiliated with any party, Franz has campaigned mostly on a platform highlighting corruption and what he said is a lack of moral standing in the country.
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This 90 pc tattooed hunk could be Czech's new prez
Image: Vladimir Franz delivers a speech during a rally in PraguePhotographs: David W Cerny/Reuters
He said that his tattoos were simply 'body art' and that the election is not a beauty contest, and is tipped to win around 11 per cent in the first round, not enough to make the run-offs.
But he may end up as kingmaker, as the leading candidates, former prime ministers Jan Fischer and Milos Zeman, would be eager to pick up his following if the vote goes to a second round.
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