Final Word from Wednesday, June 7, 2006
A demonstration on Wenceslas Square yesterday calling for the immediate resignation of Jiří Paroubek attracted a few thousand people, and a repeat is planned for this afternoon. Paroubek's list of sins is long, according to the organizers, and includes disputing the election results, attacking the free media, allowing Russia to take over Czech energy, and just generally acting like Alexander Lukashenko. In a sense, Paroubek is doing the CR a service by setting himself so apart from his rivals. His hardheadedness before and after the elections is helping to maintain a thick line between the Left and the Right. If the protesters succeed in running him out of office, or if he lightens up on his own accord, ČSSD and ODS will reach some kind of agreement that blurs this line. It might be the best solution, but it will likely give the protesters many of the same reasons to head for the square.[Czech Republic premier Belarus parliamentary elections]