Don't cry for Klaus

Catholic priest Tomáš Halík told Deník that he feels sorry for Václav Klaus because of the way his authority has declined both at home and abroad. It's true that Klaus lost points in the Lisbon debate, both from detractors and from supporters, first for so adamantly rejecting the treaty and then meekly capitulating. But domestically, Klaus remains the most powerful politician. Not even his pardons for the mafia endangered his position as the most important figure in the upcoming parliamentary elections. His voice will be crucial in determining whether the CR gets a grand coalition or a minority ČSSD government, and whether Mirek Topolánek - and perhaps even Jiří Paroubek - perishes in the process. And if things work out for Klaus in this respect, crowning Miloš Zeman as his successor will be the coup de grace. Which is perhaps what has blurred would-be president Tomáš Halík's vision. [Czech Republic Pražský presidential]