Communism still threat for Czech Republic - ODS leader Topolanek

He said the Euro-Atlantic connection of the country has been challenged and support to authoritarian regimes of Russia and China can be seen.

"The society of freedom still has some cracks, it is fragile and vulnerable. The public sphere is mainly to blame," said Topolanek, prime minister in 2006-2009.

Problems are caused not only by politicians, but also by courts and the media. The civic sphere, that includes private businesses and small tradespeople, has made the biggest progress since the fall of the totalitarian regime, Topolanek said.

Many problems of Czech society, not existing in Western countries, have their origin in totalitarian thought, ingrained in people. "As a result, I do not primarily see any hope for the future in economic and political achievements, but in the new generation," he added.

Topolanek attacked the rival Social Democrats (CSSD). He highlighted the coalitions of the Social Democrats with the Communists in some regional governments and warned of a similar coalition on the national level after the elections next year. The Social Democrats have repeatedly dismissed the idea.

CSSD leader Jiri Paroubek labelled Topolanek´s address extremist.

Paroubek said Topolanek abused the conference held in the USTR institute. He said it confirmed the Social Democrat fears that the institute is not politically independent.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz