Final Word from Friday, December 22, 2006
Václav Klaus's reasons for refusing to appoint the new government yesterday might be self-serving, but they're legitimate. If Mirek Topolánek wants a government reliant on ČSSD rebels, he should state whether the goal is early elections or a weak four-year cabinet. Klaus's objection to Karel Schwarzenberg is also legitimate. Czechs have never addressed the issue of whether dual citizens should serve in sensitive diplomatic posts. Some countries ban it. If Schwarzenberg is a true diplomat with the CR's best interests in mind, he'll turn down the Greens' offer to become foreign minister. Topolánek could fulfil Klaus's other condition by stating in advance that his government would seek early elections under Article 35 of the Constitution. Klaus would win in the short term if his conditions were met, but his primary goal of a grand coalition headed by Pavel Bém would be disrupted.[Czech Republic Claus Temelín ČEZ ODS-ČSSD president]