Czech Republic
Hospodářské Noviny, 27 November 2009

New political party, same old faces

Published on 27 November 2009 at 14:03
Hospodářské Noviny, 27 November 2009

Cover

Its founders call themselves “anti-populist”. Opinion polls expect TOP 09, the new political party led by former Czech Foreign Minister, Karel Schwarzenberg, to win over 11% of the vote in the parliamentary elections scheduled for next spring, which would make it the country’s third largest party, ahead of the Communists. TOP 09 presents itself as a rival to the ODS, the Civic Democratic Party of ex-Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek. “Its strategy is based on implementing the many necessary reforms that the ODS, the main right-wing party, has never been able to push through,” writes Hospodářské Noviny. “TOP 09 has raised great expectations,” the business daily adds. Its popularity can only grow if it remains true to its stated intention of fighting corruption, which it has demonstrated by refusing to bring on board what the news website Aktualne.cz refers to as the ‘black souls’, corrupt politicians with a Communist past.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic