Final Word from Monday, May 30, 2005
The Czech government's reaction to the No vote in the French referendum yesterday could be a godsend for ODS. As expected, Premier Ji?í Paroubek declared that the Czech campaign will go forward, regardless of the outcome in France. The more he puts his neck out for a lost cause, the more he'll be helping ODS. Both ODS and Václav Klaus have argued that the EU constitution is out of touch with the people. Negative votes in more countries across Europe and increasing efforts by the Yes camp to force voters to make the "right" decision would play into ODS's hands. Paroubek now finds himself in a delicate position. He can't allow Klaus and ODS to take complete control of the European agenda, but he also can't link his fate completely to it. He might find that getting the Czech vote out of the way long before the June 2006 general election is the best strategy. [Czech Republic European Union President Premier treaty]