Final Word from Monday, January 29, 2007
They're not twins, like the Kaczynski brothers, or even related, but Přemysl Sobotka of ODS and Bohuslav Sobotka of ČSSD could play key roles in the Czech political saga over the next year. Přemysl, as mild-mannered president of the Senate, already holds a key post, and now he's being mentioned as a possible substitute for Václav Klaus should things not work out in the secret presidential vote. Bohuslav, ČSSD's first vice chairman, is being mentioned as the frontrunner should Jiří Paroubek not survive the year as ČSSD's leader. Paroubek has overwhelming support in the party now, but it's widely assumed that his base will crumble when the next big crack appears. Bohuslav Sobotka is seen as someone ODS could work with. However, before he becomes ČSSD chairman or Přemysl Sobotka becomes president, clarity will be needed on how Miloš Zeman fits into the picture.[Czech Republic elections]