Changes at MFD

It would be a big story if the prime minister of a democracy ordered the removal of the editor-in-chief of the country's most important newspaper. Pavel Šafr's departure from MF Dnes was given this twist in some accounts, fueled by Šafr's own critical article last Thur. about Premier Jiří Paroubek and the Communists. The truth is much less exciting. Insiders give two separate explanations for Šafr's exit, neither of which includes Paroubek. Some say Šafr resigned to pursue other activities and will stay for several months as a consultant. Others say he was sacked because he failed to take charge adequately of the paper's face-lift, to be unveiled on Feb. 6. Deputy Editor Robert Čásenský did the work, the German owner allegedly said, so he shall be the editor. Be that as it may, the important thing now is whether the shake-up leads to anything more than just a new graphic design. [Czech Republic daily MAFRA KSČM Communist Party]