Final Word from Thursday, October 10, 2002
Václav Havel will leave office early next year, and no matter who replaces him, the CR will undoubtedly suffer a loss in terms of its image abroad. For many foreigners, Havel is the Czech Republic. The president's office insists that Havel will remain a visible public figure after he leaves, but it's not clear to what extent he'll continue to attract the world's attention. The upcoming Nato summit, and his retirement itself, will give him a last big chance to lobby for the CR. Some people criticize Havel for not using his stardom to speak more about his own country. His recent speech in New York, for example, was self-centered, prompting Martin Fendrych to write in Týden that he needs to see a psychiatrist. Czechs might not be totally happy with Václav Havel, but how will they fill the void when he's no longer representing them abroad?