Final Word from Monday, March 7, 2005
The political crisis came to a false end last week, with the reconciliation of ČSSD and KDU-ČSL on Thur. lasting only a few hours. ČSSD is unwilling to get rid of Stanislav Gross and has almost had enough of Miroslav Kalousek. Gross mentioned the possibility of early elections combined with a referendum on the EU constitution. He'd need not only the Communists, but also ODS, and ODS won't be happy about parliamentary elections and a referendum at the same time. To get ODS's blessing, ČSSD might also have to put a change to the electoral system or the Český Telecom privatization on the table. Vlastimil Tlustý of ODS accused the government yesterday of selling Telecom too cheaply, indicating that Telecom is now a possible negotiating chip. HN hinted that Tlustý was acting on behalf of PPF. The question now is whether Telecom is worth early elections. [Czech Republic chairman MP cabinet coalition Party]