Daily: Topolánek, Paroubek discuss Czech EU presidency

Právo has also reported that Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek met with opposition leader Jiří Paroubek on Thursday to discuss the Czech Republic’s taking up the six-month EU presidency on January 1. The two men – major rivals in the 2006 national election – reportedly met for 90 minutes to “fine-tune” future steps. In recent days some media, as well as several EU parliamentarians, questioned the Czech Republic’s ability to lead the union during a time of global financial crisis and recession. A weak showing by Mr Topolanek’s party in recent regional and Senate elections – won almost single-handedly by Mr Paroubek’s Social Democrats – has also raised questions about the Czech government’s strength.