Sudeten symbolism
Commentators generally agree that once the Czech
and German elections are over, the Beneš Decrees will
disappear as a political issue. In the meantime, though,
lines are being drawn in the sand over the Sudeten
issue. ODS has been the most vocal in opposing any
revision of the results of World War II, followed at a
close distance by ČSSD. Jan Ruml of US-DEU has
spoken in favor of giving symbolic compensation to
Sudeten Germans mistreated after the war, but the
Coalition as such has opposed this. Martin Komárek of
MF Dnes and political analyst Jiří Pehe have also
written in favor of making a gesture toward mistreated
Germans. To others, this would represent an
unacceptable admission of guilt, with an uncertain
outcome. Pavel Verner of Právo pointed out how
difficult it would be to grant symbolic compensation that
satisfies anyone.
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