Czech press survey - January 25

Petr Sabata writes in Hospodarske noviny that some of the half-truths and unsubstantiated accusations Zeman pronounced in his public duels with Schwarzenberg were implanted in the debate by his allies, particularly outgoing President Vaclav Klaus.

It is s that Klaus whose presidency is splitting the country (this does no only relate to the amnesty he has granted) and who is distorting its image abroad, Saabata writes.

He says the election campaign showed that Zeman at Prague Castle would only amount to the continuation of Klaus by other, coarser means.

Precisely such unpredictable and divisive presidency would harm the country, its citizens, business as well as politics very much, Sabata writes.

He says the direct presidential election is accompanied by an inspirative awakening of voters. They are selflessly working for their candidates, participate in debates. This is hopeful for the future.

Elsewhere in Hospodarske noviny Jiri Leschtina writes that the campaign is ending and that before the name of the winning president is announced, one winner is already known - the public.

The public added to the presidential plebiscite an unexpected energy, excitement and variety, Leschtina writes.

He says the reactions of citizens who have comprehended that there are moments when it is not good to be silent arouse big hopes.

Alexandr Mitrofanov writes in Pravo that the presidential campaign has showed that society is split, the definitions of the diving line are sought, which will take some time, but one thing is already clear now: this time it was no right vs left struggle.

One dividing line may be generational. Young people, though not all, of course, will vote for Schwazrenberg whose victory would be a victory of the life they like and whose fundamental change they cannot and do not want to imagine, Mitrofanov writes.

The campaign ahead of the presidential run-off vote did not have a uniting theme, Daniel Kaiser writes in Lidove noviny.

First, it seemed that it is a referendum on Petr Necas´s government, then Schwarzenberg incredibly tripped over the Benes decrees, but in the last few days his election team and media have come to their senses and started bringing past sins of Zeman´s government in the debate, Kaiser writes.

The untidiness of the campaign and emotions overshadowed the sad fact that both gentlemen do not differ on some important themes, Kaiser writes.

This concerns, for instance, their readiness to extend the mandate of Constitutional Court chairman Pavel Rychetsky longing for power, or some stands on the developments in the EU, Kaiser writes.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz