Final Word from Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Václav Klaus did the unexpected yesterday by announcing that he's prepared to reappoint ODS Chair Mirek Topolánek as premier. There are widely differing views as to what this means. Karel Steigerwald of MFD said Klaus did what he had to do, given the lack of a cross-party political agreement. Tomáš Němeček of HN said Klaus was taking the safe route and was trying to avoid responsibility for the failure of any "presidential" government he might appoint. Martin Zvěřina of LN said Klaus was playing into Jiří Paroubek's hands. Pavel Verner of Právo said Klaus was putting a knife to Topolánek's throat and was trying to force through a grand coalition. Whatever his reason, Klaus is indeed putting pressure on Topolánek. If Mr. T ever entertained the thought of ditching Klaus and siding with Miloš Zeman, the 30-day clock for finding the courage will soon start ticking.[Czech Republic Hospodářské noviny MF Dnes Lidové noviny prime minister president]