Final Word from Monday, November 22, 2021

From the moment Miloš Zeman announced on TV Nova on Nov. 17 that he will very likely veto only one of Petr Fiala's proposed ministers and that the veto will be non-negotiable, coalition politicians and their media allies have been warning him of the consequences. Anything from cutting the president's budget, to a constitutional complaint, to the removal of the president under Art. 66 of the Constitution could ensue. Zeman has rarely responded well to threats in the past, and backing down wouldn't really be his style. He stated on Wed. that the first thing he will do after being released from the hospital is to appoint Fiala as the PM, but it wouldn't be so surprising if he changed his mind after receiving the threats. Zeman would have little to lose if he gave Fiala an ultimatum: Deliver me a complete list of acceptable ministers by Fri., or you won't be appointed PM. Once he appoints Fiala, the balance of power will shift, and those who want to run him out of office will have the upper hand. [ Czech Republic ODS chairman television ÚVN hospital Lány retreat ]