Kalousek calls the shots
Other than Václav Klaus, the big winner from the government
crisis is KDU-ÈSL Chair Miroslav Kalousek. He's a skilled
negotiator who was cutting backroom deals at the defense
ministry long before Stanislav Gross ever figured out how it's
done. KDU was the only coalition party that did well in the
European elections, and Kalousek has used this to make
uncompromising demands on Designated Premier Stanislav
Gross. Although the coalition lost the European elections as a
team, Kalousek has gotten away with refusing to accept any of
the collective blame. That's why it's important now for Gross to
force Kalousek to give up one of KDU's three ministries.
According to HN, Kalousek agreed late last night to "sacrifice"
his longtime rival, Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda, in exchange
for two lesser ministries. Even when Kalousek loses, he wins.
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