Final Word from Thursday, January 21, 2010
Catholic priest Tomáš Halík told Deník that he feels sorry for Václav Klaus because of the way his authority has declined both at home and abroad. It's true that Klaus lost points in the Lisbon debate, both from detractors and from supporters, first for so adamantly rejecting the treaty and then meekly capitulating. But domestically, Klaus remains the most powerful politician. Not even his pardons for the mafia endangered his position as the most important figure in the upcoming parliamentary elections. His voice will be crucial in determining whether the CR gets a grand coalition or a minority ČSSD government, and whether Mirek Topolánek - and perhaps even Jiří Paroubek - perishes in the process. And if things work out for Klaus in this respect, crowning Miloš Zeman as his successor will be the coup de grace. Which is perhaps what has blurred would-be president Tomáš Halík's vision.[Czech Republic Pražský presidential]
Glossary of difficult words
detractor - a person who disparages or finds fault with someone or something;
adamantly - in a stubborn, unyielding manner;
meekly - in a quiet, submissive manner;
to capitulate - to cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to surrender;
pardons - Klaus pardoned an immigration officer convicted of taking bribes; and MFD reported that he had pardoned four other people linked to alleged mafia figures;
to perish - to suffer complete ruin or destruction; to die;
coup de grace - a final blow; a finishing stroke or decisive event;
to blur - to make or become unclear or less distinct;
would-be - desiring or aspiring to be a specific type of person or to occupy a specific position.