Czech ODS head indicates his internal critics harm party

Topolanek indirectly hinted at his critics in the ODS, mainly Bem who unsuccessfully ran against him in the election of party chairman.

Topolanek also reiterated that he would resign as ODS chairman if his party lost the May elections to the Chamber of Deputies, lower house of parliament.

Topolanek in the debate admitted the possibility of a grand coalition of the ODS and the Social Democrats (CSSD) after the general election. However, he said it would be in an emergency situation and that he would not welcome it.

According to Topolanek, the current party leaders, that is he and CSSD chairman Jiri Paroubek should not participate in it.

Paroubek, too, admitted this possibility last November. He said a grand coalition would be better than a cabinet based on deputies-defectors in the case of an election draw.

Paroubek added the current ODS and CSSD leaders should not be in such a cabinet.

Topolanek also mentioned a certain "media intention" to attack the ODS and the CSSD, and thus create space for smaller entities to make the political scene more varied.

Topolanek criticised the government anti-corruption package, prepared by Interior Minister Martin Pecina, which the caretaker cabinet approved on Monday, as too repressive. He said it is solving the corruption consequences, but not the causes.

Topolanek raised objections mainly to the system of anti-corruption agents, the institute of crown witness who should not be fully acquitted of charges, and the strengthening of wiretapping within the anti-corruption measures.

On the other hand, Topolanek stressed that the system of public orders and the respective law must be changed.

Topolanek reiterated that direct taxes cannot be raised in the current situation in his opinion. He also said a quite radical pension system reform must be launched by 2012.

hol/dr

Autor: ČTK
www.ctk.cz