Václav Klaus also to blame for Czech clientelism

The most recent corruption scandal in Prague came to light as a result of court-ordered wire-tapping, leading President Václav Klaus to condemn the use of bugging operations against politicians. The liberal daily Sme believes the president himself bears partial responsibility for the widespread clientelism in Czech society: "It is typical that Klaus doesn't complain about the power of lobbyists and mafiosi but rather the fact that it is exposed. No one has as great a personal stake in corruption and cronyism in Czech politics as the current president. Everything began with his rejection of clear legal guidelines for privatisation. ... For years he took Prague's Mayor Bém [who has been implicated in scandals] under his wing. And within his former ODS party, in which he still has huge influence, he has always supported the wing of the 'Godfathers' and resisted those who sought to take action against economic crime. ... If the political Right wants to survive, it must separate itself not just from Bém, but also - finally - from Klaus."

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