Apathy v enmity

PERHAPS the only thing that a majority of Czech MPs can agree on is that they disagree. An ideologically diverse array of lawmakers voted to dissolve parliament’s lower house on August 20th, paving the way for an autumn general election, probably on October 25th-26th. The dissolution, and yet more despondency for long-suffering Czech citizens, comes after Prime Minister Petr Nečas’s government collapsed in a combination of scandals involving spying, corruption and sex. A caretaker government installed by President Miloš Zeman failed to receive the backing of parliament.140 MPs voted for dissolution, with only seven against. Most of those from Mr Nečas’s Civic Democrats (ODS) walked out before voting began.

Now, a wild 60 days of campaigning could radically reshape the Czech political landscape. “The coming election brings a fundamental decision about the future of the Czech Republic,” said Karel Schwarzenberg, a former foreign minister, runner-up in the presidential election and chairman of the right-leaning TOP 09. “President Zeman’s main ambition is his own power.” Mr Schwarzenberg is among Mr Zeman’s most vocal critics, but he is not alone. The president’s decision to appoint a group of allies to head a caretaker government brought...Continue reading