Final Word from Monday, April 30, 2012
Remember the large eco-tender that nearly brought down the Nečas
government last year? Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek talked about the
economic benefits of grouping all the cleanup claims together and dealing
with them in one big contract, but he finally had to cancel the deal
because the "savings" became impossible even for him to justify. Nečas
had reportedly confided to ODS's leadership that he'd resign if the deal
were passed. He said that he couldn't imagine allowing his cabinet to be
linked to something accompanied by so many doubts about corruption.
Another Gripen, Mostecká uhelná, OKD or Pandur deal wouldn't occur on
his watch. Many of the same arguments are now being used for and
against the church-restitution bill, with the notable difference that Nečas
hasn't yet seen the light and is still staunchly defending the church deal.
So is Karolína Peake, who had also expressed her objections to the eco-
tender. It's sometimes odd what one will do in the name of God but would
never do in the name of the devil.[Czech Republic environmental clean-up ecology MUS]
Glossary of difficult words
to confide - to tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting him or her not to repeat it to others;
on one's watch - during one's period of responsibility;
to see the light - to understand or realize something after prolonged thought or doubt;
staunchly - strongly or firmly.