Final Word from Friday, October 11, 2002
There has long been speculation that Václav Klaus doesn't really care about ODS and is only interested in himself. However, his decision yesterday not to run again for ODS chairman could suggest otherwise. Some political analysts think he was concerned that the fight for the chair would divide ODS and hurt it in the upcoming elections. In this light, his decision seems magnanimous towards ODS. Another possibility, though, is that he's signaling ODS's unwillingness to strike a deal in the presidential elections. Under certain circumstances, the vote in Parliament could be an utter failure if ODS or Miloš Zeman's supporters decide not to play along. ODS has suddenly started talking again about direct presidential elections, no doubt because Klaus' best hope to become president is to force a direct vote. The same applies for Zeman.