Final Word from Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Václav Klaus might have lost his reelection bid this week. Although presidential elections won't take place for a year, the current political talks are crucial for determining whether Klaus has the needed support. If Klaus had accepted Mirek Topolánek as ODS leader, he could have served as godfather to an interim government of ODS, ČSSD and KDU. Instead, he's still trying to push Topolánek aside. Yesterday, he threw another spoke in Topolánek's wheel by saying the interim cabinet must have Parliament's support (which might force Topolánek to call on the Communists). Such interference is causing Klaus to lose allies within ODS. Klaus has influential financial interests behind him, which helps explain his behavior and his preference for Pavel Bém. It's still possible a deal will be struck for keeping Klaus in office, but power brokers should begin scouting out a reserve candidate. [Czech Republic re-election Prague Mayor KDU-ČSL]