Czech PM's battle for party leadership clouds treaty debate

THE CZECH Republic’s prime minister faces a party leadership challenge this weekend, adding to uncertainty in the country as it debates the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty and prepares to take over presidency of the bloc next month.

A congress of centre-right Civic Democrats (ODS) is expected to vote tomorrow on whether to retain premier Mirek Topolanek as leader, or oust him in favour of Prague mayor Pavel Bem, who has the backing of party founder and Czech president Vaclav Klaus and his eurosceptic allies.

Victory for Mr Bem would further embolden the outspoken Mr Klaus and fellow critics of the Lisbon Treaty, which the Czech Republic has yet to ratify, and disrupt preparations for Prague’s stint as EU president.

Triumph for Mr Topolanek would strengthen ODS advocates for the embattled treaty and perhaps, according to analysts, prompt Mr Klaus to form a new party which would be similar in outlook to the Libertas of Declan Ganley, with whom Mr Klaus dined on a recent visit to Dublin.

The challenge to Mr Topolanek gained momentum following the ODS’s dismal showing in elections in October, when it lost control of the upper house of parliament and of 13 regional administrations.

Mr Klaus was scathing of Mr Topolanek after the election debacle, and Mr Bem has accused the premier of “betraying right-wing values” and giving unjustified support to the Lisbon Treaty.

Most analysts believe Mr Topolanek will survive the vote, less because of his personal popularity than the fact that many ODS members fear chaos could engulf the party if he was ousted.

Parliament is expected to resume debate on the Lisbon Treaty next week, after the highest Czech court ruled it did not breach the nation’s constitution.