Final Word from Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Justice Min. Pavel Blažek's apology yesterday for lingering too long at the table last week of former Castle demon Martin Nejedlý was real enough, but it was for the fake world of headlines, tweets, talking heads and political chatter. As was PM Petr Fiala's tough statement about how Blažek would have been sacked from the cabinet if the lingering had been planned in advance and wasn't merely happenstance. In this fake world, a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances, including witness testimony, SMS transcripts and lie-detector tests, would be ordered, rigged and leaked to the press. Meanwhile, the real world of quid pro quos, backroom deals and global realignment goes on unimpeded. Blažek's destiny is to be mainly in the real world and to get his knuckles rapped at times for carelessly stepping over into the realm inhabited permanently by, say, the Pirates. Less certain than his own fate is that of Fiala, who is increasingly having to be a fake PM in a very real world. [ Czech Republic minister ODS text message adviser Miloš Zeman Twitter X ]
Glossary of difficult words
to linger - to stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave;
talking head - a presenter or reporter on television who addresses the camera and is viewed in close-up;
chatter - informal talk;
happenstance - coincidence;
to rig - to manage or conduct (something) fraudulently so as to gain an advantage;
quid pro quo - a favor or advantage granted in return for something;
unimpeded - not obstructed or hindered;
to rap - to strike sharply with a stick or similar implement.