Final Word from Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Mirek Topolánek didn't complain about political pressure when Jiří Čunek was first accused of taking a bribe. Instead, Topolánek cast doubt on Čunek's version of events. Now that the prosecutor has been replaced in the case, Topolánek has reversed himself and is talking about political pressure from ČSSD in instigating the investigation. Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg's case is just the opposite. He refused to vote in the Senate for lifting Čunek's immunity and said his trust in the police and the courts had declined. Now, he tells MFD that he wouldn't vote against lifting Čunek's immunity because he has new information. Schwarzenberg is an accidental minister who gives the impression of not really caring whether he remains in office. Topolánek, in contrast, is starting to resemble the Jiří Paroubek that everyone grew to distrust because he'd do or say anything to remain in power.[Czech Republic corruption bribery Green Party KDU-ČSL MF Dnes PM premier prime minister]