Václav Klaus' strange image of Germany

Czech President Václav Klaus has expressed his bitterness in an essay about the Germans who have 'peacefully established a clear hegemony in Europe after waging two unsuccessful world wars". The liberal weekly Respekt sees this as an impertinence: "How would the president react if someone made similarly disparaging remarks about the Czechs? He's probably tell the Germans not to visit the Czech Republic unless they want to risk their hair being shaved off and swastika painted on their backs, their property being stolen and perhaps even being shot [as was done during the expulsions when the war ended]. Such arguments are unacceptable in a civilised debate. ... Naturally the Germans have a lot of influence. But this is the result of their industriousness and skills, not a peaceful version of Hitler's plans. It is Germany that contributes the most to the EU budget - and therefore to the Czechs too."

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