In Schroeder's footsteps

When Jiří Paroubek was facing questions about his affected Schröder-like mannerisms, he said he had never really paid attention to his friend's gesticulations. There are a few other things about Gerhard Schröder that he apparently missed too. For example, that Schröder presided over a party split that probably cost SPD the elections. That Schröder's highly touted Agenda 2010 reform program sputtered out in 2005. That Schröder's foreign policy was to push the EU constitution, which failed. And that Schröder vowed triumphantly after the elections to remain as chancellor, only to bow out unceremoniously soon thereafter. Paroubek lives for the moment and wanted to share in Schröder's remaining limelight. In retrospect, though, his close association with a fading Schröder raises the intriguing prospect that he, too, might have to step aside if he fails to defeat the Right in the next elections. [Czech Republic Germany Social Democrats]