Filling Havel's shoes
Václav Havel will leave office early next year, and no
matter who replaces him, the CR will undoubtedly suffer
a loss in terms of its image abroad. For many
foreigners, Havel is the Czech Republic. The
president's office insists that Havel will remain a visible
public figure after he leaves, but it's not clear to what
extent he'll continue to attract the world's attention. The
upcoming Nato summit, and his retirement itself, will
give him a last big chance to lobby for the CR. Some
people criticize Havel for not using his stardom to speak
more about his own country. His recent speech in New
York, for example, was self-centered, prompting Martin
Fendrych to write in Tŭden that he needs to see a
psychiatrist. Czechs might not be totally happy with
Václav Havel, but how will they fill the void when he's
no longer representing them abroad?
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