Final Word from Friday, October 24, 2003
Soon after Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear and checked into a French asylum, he produced the brooding but wonderful painting Prisoners' Round. It was perhaps meant to express the monotony of hospital life. At times, political life in the CR takes on a similar tone. Like in the painting, guards from the EU and other international organizations watch by as Czech politicians march round and round, getting nowhere. Yesterday's decision to remove Jaroslav Míl as head of ČEZ was the latest example. Whatever his faults, Míl was building an energy conglomerate that could stand on its own in a united Europe. Those who removed him are more interested in dividing up the domestic market for their own gain, without concern for the big picture. We all know how Van Gogh ended up. insane mental