Final Word from Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the craziest of them all? If Jiří Paroubek were the mirror, he'd likely vote for Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (although Zdeněk Doležel would be a top candidate). Paroubek told Právo that Bém is a complex-ridden little Napoleon. Bém had said Paroubek would be helping to cleanse ČSSD of the Doležel fraud effect if he resigned. Paroubek might be the pot calling the kettle black, but Bém's facial contortions and quick temper do give reason to wonder about his mental state. Bém is a psychiatrist and could provide a self-analysis. For now, though, he's busy facing Petra Buzková of ČSSD in the Prague local elections. Even Buzková admits that she has little chance. The one-sided race has instead become a showcase for Bém and his plans to enter national politics full-time. Soon, ODS will have to decide what role to accord its "complex-ridden little Napoleon." [Czech Republic municipal elections]