Challenging Klaus

Evžen Tošenovský's recent announcement that he plans to run for ODS chairman in Dec. raises more questions about the party's future than it answers. Tošenovský's candidacy has been greeted with excitement by the media and the anti-Klaus establishment. Ironically, though, it could serve to prolong Klaus' reign as ODS chairman. Václav Klaus suddenly feels under attack, and that's when he's at his best. It now seems very unlikely that he'll voluntarily give up his position in Dec., and it's still hard to imagine ODS ousting its founding father against his will. Tošenovský's candidacy could divide the party, cause it to suffer in the upcoming Senate and municipal elections, and pave the way for a Klaus favorite to take over eventually as chairman. Tošenovský would perhaps make a good ODS leader, but his timing could be his undoing.