Czech Government Folly

by C.McMorrow

On March 26, 2009, smack-dab in the middle of the Czech Republic’s turn to hold the EU temporary presidency, ex-Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek’s center-right coalition managed to meet its embarrassingly untimely demise. Despite holding the slimmest of majorities since 2006, few expected this fifth no-confidence vote to finally go through. Perhaps it came as a shock because multi-party governments by nature are prone to tenuous majorities; perhaps everyone has gotten a little too used to little or no change on all fronts.

From the moment the news broke, rumors, reasons and every combination of causes were given credit for what took place. Some were quick to point the finger at the global financial crisis and Topolanek’s mishandling of its effects on the country -- but Czech banks are not dependent on debt as in most other countries.

Local papers attributed the dissolution on Topolanek's attempt to quash a surfacing scandal regarding an ODS member’s alleged subsidy fraud. However, another source and parliamentary member revealed inside rumors about an unrealized Gentlemen’s Agreement between the two party heads. “Topolanek said that he would make Paroubek head of the parliament if he did not challenge him,” he claims. “Paroubek wanted to remind him of this agreement.”*

But the more important question and answer remains to be seen – what effect will this lack of governmental stability have on the Czech Republic’s image within the EU? Sarkozy’s initial concerns regarding the country’s commitment, organization and effectiveness echo in our ears, and nobody’s smiling wider than adamantly anti-EU Vaclav Klaus.

This victory was temporary, however, as cries against another endless stalemate came creeping back. So  ODS hit the skids, he chose Czech Statistical Office head Jan Fischer to form a temporary government. For the second time in Czech history, it must be constituted of non-party members, and they have until May 9th to gain approval from the parliament.

Without Topolanek’s influence, the radar base is unlikely to happen anytime soon. And any hope of the Czech Republic signing the Lisbon Treaty will most probably have hinged upon the latter reaching out for help from the CSSD. Again, Klaus has been against this treaty since its inception, arguing that it takes power away from member states.

As far a loss of confidence on the part of the Czech electorate, rarely has any ruling party held an approval rating above 30%. As far as how these recent changes will affect the every day functionality of the government, another certain source at City Hall says that “the parliament will be the same, with members in [their] same positions.” He is also quick to claim that little control comes with the temporary EU presidency. “Everyone knows this is mostly symbolic and we cannot change big things.”

*English teachers are everywhere.