Final Word from Friday, September 24, 2010
Miroslav Kalousek not only has the thickest skin of all current politicians, but also the biggest group of protectors. His political career might have ended last year if Karel Schwarzenberg hadn't taken him under his wing. Zdeněk Tůma, as TOP 09's candidate for Prague mayor, preaches transparency but is careful not to say anything that impugns Kalousek's credibility. HN, too, avoids directly questioning Kalousek's budget black magic. And now, Zdeněk Bakala (who owns HN) has declared in MFD that Kalousek is one of the CR's most talented politicians and has definitely stood the test as finance minister in recent years. Anyone who doubts that Bakala belongs among the Five Families need only recall this statement. Unless, perhaps, the Kalousek Defense League (KDL) is actually an expedient group of well-meaning reformers who praise Kalousek only until they are strong enough to depose him.[Czech Republic MF Dnes Hospodářské noviny J&T Penta PPF KKCG RPG]
Glossary of difficult words
defense league - an organization whose stated goal is to defend a certain group, such as a language, animals or an ethnic group;
Kalousek Defense League - we made this up; there is no such organization (not officially, at least);
to have thick skin - to be insensitive to criticism or insults;
to take someone under one's wing - to take someone into protective care;
to impugn - to call into question;
black magic - magic involving the supposed invocation of evil spirits for evil purposes;
to stand the test - to pass muster, to measure up;
expedient - (of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral;
to depose - to remove from office suddenly and forcefully.