Imperial chutzpah

We need look only to Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran to see that the U.S. can still set the world agenda but is faltering in its ability to push the agenda through. On a lower level, the same transformation is taking place at ČEZ. The energy giant can still set the agenda by invading Parliament and having its people there submit a surprise Kč 68bn carbon-credit rider that puts in motion a plan for monopolizing the coal and energy sectors, but opposition to such behavior is mounting. The Senate is likely to balk at the CO2 bill, and ČEZ-friendly politicians are being forced to deny taking illegal contributions. Miroslav Kalousek, of all people, condemned ČEZ's lobbyists and even accused the company of trying to usurp the sovereignty of Parliament. Now that ČEZ's master plan has been exposed (see the Final Word and HN), it will be harder to push it through. Such is the price of excessive imperial arrogance. [Czech Republic Hospodářské noviny United States of America]