Necas: ODS will not suffer same fate as post-Thatcher Conservatives
Members of the opposition Civic Democratic Party (ODS) meet next week to choose a new leader, replacing founding father Vaclav Klaus who steps down after 12 years in the post. After dominating successive right-of-centre governments for most of the 1990s, the party now appears to be drifting aimlessly. Some hope Mr Klaus's departure will herald the beginning of a new era, although he'll also be a tough act to follow - for many Vaclav Klaus simply was the Civic Democrats. One man who wants to step into his shoes is deputy chairman Petr Necas, an experienced party member who also enjoys Mr Klaus's blessing. Rob Cameron caught up with him in parliament this week, and asked him to explain why he thought he was the best man for the job.
The problem is though that the Civic Democrats have very much been a one-man party, they've been dominated by one big personality. And it seems that no-one in the Civic Democrats has the presence and the charisma of Vaclav Klaus. Surely that will be a problem in the future?
"To be fully honest, when we take into account the situation in the Czech political scene during the last ten years, in fact there have been only two strong political personalities - Mr Klaus and [former Social Democrat prime minister Milos] Zeman. But at the same time, I do think it's possible to create a strong team with a leader. And I'm absolutely sure this team will be able to go through any challenges and any crossroads."
And you're not worried that after Mr Klaus steps down as head of the party, when he's waiting around in the background, he could cause problems if he starts criticising the new leader.
"Of course hypothetically it's possible. And you can find examples from abroad - for example Great Britain and the relationship between Baroness Thatcher and John Major. But at the same time I do think that Mr Klaus is and will be a very strong politician, and that at the same time he will feel responsibility towards the Civic Democrats. So I'm absolutely sure he's going to support the team which will lead the Civic Democrats. I've no doubt about it."
Well he may say that, but the comparison with Britain's Conservatives is a good one. Mrs Thatcher promised to support the new leadership, but behind their backs she kept attacking them and undermining their position and authority. And the Conservatives have suffered enormously as a result of that. Are you not worried the same thing is going to happen to the Civic Democrats post-Klaus?
"Again, hypothetically it's possible but I'm absolutely sure that Mr Klaus has been, is and will be fully aware of this concrete example from Britain's Conservatives, and has been able to learn some lessons from abroad. And we - as Civic Democrats - are also able to learn this lesson."
