Svoboda free at last

Somewhat comically, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung cited the editorials of two rightist Czech newspapers (LN, MFD) on Sat. as evidence that the CR is supporting Tony Blair's EU stance. The FAZ probably missed Vice PM Bohuslav Sobotka's comment about the U.K.'s "immoral" rebate. The FAZ could have cited Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda, though. He stuck his neck out by telling the BBC the CR will likely tend toward Blair's vision for the EU budget. Svoboda was packing his bags a few months ago but has suddenly regained his confidence. He even hinted to the BBC that he might run again for KDU chair. (If HN keeps writing about Sazka, Miroslav Kalousek might need a new job.) Svoboda's near-death experiences, both literal and figurative, have made a better politician of him. Now if he'd only do something about that ghastly pink and purple tie. [Czech Republic Lidové noviny Hospodářské noviny MF Dnes prime minister premier United Kingdom European Union KDU- ČSL]