Klaus says he will not retire from politics

President Václav Klaus says he has no intention of leaving politics after his term of office ends in 2013. Speaking at a signing of his new book covering the eighth year of his presidency, Mr Klaus said that he would stay in the public sphere as long has his strength allowed and does not want to retire. However, he added that it was needlessly early to say what public role he may fill. Formerly the chairman of the Civic Democratic Party, Mr Klaus took office as president in March of 2003 and was re-elected by Parliament in 2008. The parliamentary parties are currently working on an agreement to establish direct election of the president.