Final Word from Monday, November 6, 2006
Václav Klaus is up a creek without a paddle. The responsibility for proposing a workable government is falling on his shoulders, but his options are almost exhausted. His influence over the political parties - including ODS - is hitting bottom. His problem is that he has little to offer. It's true, as Sen. Tomáš Töpfer said, that Klaus is someone Czechs (usually) don't have to be embarrassed about when he goes abroad, but this isn't what matters most on the political front. Klaus must put concrete chips on the table. Unless he can deliver ČSSD for some kind of compromise government, Miloš Zeman will step in and usurp his role. No one knows what Klaus will do, but a radical move that reestablishes his own position, wins ČSSD's sympathy and throws ODS off guard can't be ruled out. Klaus could perhaps achieve this by appointing Jiří Paroubek today or tomorrow as PM.[Czech Republic prime minister president ODS ČSSD Senator]