The foreign view

Foreigners who don't speak Czech can't get a real feel for local politicians from translated newspaper articles. It helps to hear them in person. When Premier Jiří Paroubek addressed a foreign crowd recently, he was the perfect gentleman, spoke entirely acceptable English and radiated with ambition. ODS Chair Mirek Topolánek didn't try to speak English, rattled on for too long and gave the impression of never expecting to become prime minister. Health Minister David Rath was the toughest nut to crack. Although he faced a largely hostile crowd of mostly pharma types, he used halting English and unexpected diplomacy to disarm his critics. Those who know him and despise him didn't change their minds, but for the others he showed signs of growing into his job. Like Paroubek, but not Topolánek, Rath gave the impression of someone who intends to be around for a long time. [Czech Republic American Chamber of Commerce ČSSD healthcare]