President Klaus’ hopes dashed as eurosceptics take a beating in the European elections

There were a lot of long faces in Czech politics as the results of elections to the European Parliament came in, and one of them was that of President Václav Klaus, the country’s most vocal eurosceptic and a fierce opponent of the Lisbon treaty. His chief ally in Europe, Ireland’s Declan Ganley, was forced to admit defeat and the three small eurosceptic parties which the Czech president indirectly supported on home ground all failed to make their mark.

It was not a good day for the eurosceptic Czech president who has made many enemies in Brussels with his anti-federalist views and his adamant refusal to fly the EU flag at Prague Castle. He has used every opportunity his position affords, including the Czech EU presidency, to publicize his views and warn against further EU integration. Now the election results show that even at home he does not have much of an audience and that his influence on Czech politics is not as big as some may have thought. Mr. Klaus’ high hopes for Declan Ganley’s Libertas and his indirect support for three small eurosceptic parties here in the Czech Republic – have come to nothing.

Václav Klaus, photo: CTK

Talking to reporters shortly after the results came through, a grim-faced Mr. Klaus said he was saddened by the fact that Czech voters failed to appreciate the importance of the European elections and the fact that their vote could change the future shape of Europe. This he blamed on the country’s three eurosceptic parties – Sovereignty, the Free Citizens Party, which some believe was created at Mr. Klaus’ instigation and Libertas.cz. He said they had failed to explain the issues at stake and had made a big mistake in not pooling their strength. Although statistics suggest that the three of them together would have crossed the 5 percent threshold needed to win seats it would not have been a significant victory. In the Czech Republic –as elsewhere in the EU – there is a marked lack of interest in European issues and European elections. The Czech voter turnout was just over twenty eight percent and those who did come to the polls supported the same parties as they would have in general elections, not small eurosceptic parties whose policy programme revolved around an anti-Lisbon agenda.

The failure of eurosceptic parties to make their mark, and in particular Declan Ganley’s decision not to lead a second anti-Lisbon campaign in Ireland, has highlighted the fact that President Klaus has yet to sign the Lisbon treaty approved by both houses of the Czech Parliament. The grounds on which he based his refusal – Ireland’s rejection of the treaty – may soon no longer be valid. There are many to remind him of the fact. On a visit to south Moravia, on Monday Mr. Klaus’ smiles turned to frowns as a group of students asked to get his autograph – on a copy of the Lisbon treaty.