Scarface Bem

When we first mentioned on June 3 the idea of a government of ODS, ČSSD and KDU, we said it might be the only way for Václav Klaus to win reelection. By the time the coalition began taking shape, though, Klaus's role in it had begun to fade. Mirek Topolánek and Jiří Paroubek started going around him. The election yesterday of Pavel Bém as ODS's first vice chair brings Klaus roaring back. Bém becomes a parallel ODS power center, with a hotline to the Castle. Bém will want to leverage this to the max, probably by becoming a vice PM and minister in the tri- cabinet. His construction pals will want him at either the transport or development ministry. From there, he'll continue to undermine Topolánek's efforts to break from the Klaus past. If Bém doesn't keep his greed and ambition under control, though, he could end up like Scarface, and take Klaus down with him. [Czech Republic prime minister premier KDU-ČSL broad coalition]