Final Word from Wednesday, November 11, 2009
As the Czech Republic's newly nominated candidate for European commissioner, EU Affairs Minister Štefan Füle is taking a public beating. Most bothersome is his past as a devoted Communist and his five-year tenure at the KGB training ground for diplomats in Moscow, MGIMO. Over his career, the "man of all regimes" (as MFD labeled him) has served Prague, Moscow, Washington (by going beyond the call of duty in supporting the radar), London (by spearheading the Gripen deal) and Brussels. He's a loyal foot soldier. The world is full of them. The other candidates for EU commissioner wouldn't have carried out their duties in Brussels much differently from the way Füle will. Part of the public outcry to Füle's appointment is disgust that someone can be rewarded so well for being so "flexible." Part of it is probably also envy that Füle has learned to play the game so well.[Czech Republic European Union MF Dnes]
Glossary of difficult words
Füle - pronounced in Czech not according to German pronunciation but as "Fee-le";
to take a beating - to suffer damage or hurt; to come under criticism;
bothersome - causing bother; troublesome;
tenure - time spent in office or in a position;
to spearhead - to lead an attack or movement;
outcry - a strong expression of public disapproval or anger.