Final Word from Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Millions of Czechs will prick up their ears and open their eyes wider today as Parliament addresses the Stork's Nest matter, but a more important issue was debated yesterday by MPs to general public disinterest. Parliament took a clear stance, with an 86-6 vote, against PM Bohuslav Sobotka's decision to accept Angela Merkel's deal with Turkey on waiving visas for its citizens. Eighteen MPs from the ruling coalition, including five from Sobotka's ČSSD, were among the 86 voting to approve the non-binding resolution against the visa waiver, and another 59 coalition MPs abstained (including 26 from ČSSD). This is the closest Parliament has come so far to giving Sobotka a vote of no confidence in his refugee policy. From this point of view, Sobotka's position at home is just as precarious as Merkel's in Germany, and yesterday's attacks in Brussels are now probably going to weaken his position among lawmakers and the public even more. [Czech Republic visa-free travel Turks European Union ANO KDU-ČSL]
Glossary of difficult words
to prick up one's ears - (of a person) to become suddenly attentive;
disinterest - lack of interest in something;
to waive - to refrain from applying or enforcing (a rule, restriction or fee);
precarious - not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.