Final Word from Tuesday, March 27, 2007
If young Bohuslav Sobotka were running ČSSD instead of Jiří Paroubek, a sort of opposition-agreement atmosphere would again be possible. ODS would have a better chance of reaching cross-party agreement on reforms and of getting its presidential candidate elected. ODS is indirectly supporting the ouster of Paroubek by saying - as Labor Minister Petr Nečas did on TV Prima - that Paroubek's confirmation as ČSSD chair is good news for ODS, because he can never win any elections. ODS will continue to help guide things in Sobotka's direction, but it won't make it a cake walk for him. Mirek Topolánek accused Sobotka of approving untransparent road contracts before leaving as finance minister, and Nečas reminded Prima's viewers of "Čobka" Sobotka's ties to ČSOB. These are rather minor accusations meant to mask the real goal: Forcing Paroubek out of office by the end of this year.[Czech Republic Premier PM Nedělní partie]