United Europe, Waiting on Czech President

(Thumbnail image: Czech Happenings)

“The Czech Republic is the last of the 27 member states to sign up, and there are fears of more delays after President Vaclav Klaus expressed last minute doubts.” (ITN)

The Lisbon Treaty is a hot topic in Europe.  The treaty will create a powerful executive position in the European Union.  Currently, the President of the EU is similar to a diplomatic position, and does not hold much executive power.  The treaty also creates a position similar to the Secretary of State.  

Ireland approved the treaty on October 2nd.   Poland followed on October 10th.  ITN reports that the EU now waits for the Czech Repulic’s president to sign the treaty.

France 24 says, President Klaus is using this delay as an opportunity to gain concessions from the EU.

“President Klaus is playing hardball, and stated a new condition for signing the text. He wants a special dispensation for his country regarding the charter of universal rights. It aims to avoid restitution of confiscated properties of German speaking Czechs who were expelled following World War Two. The UK, Ireland and Poland have already secured opt-outs in return for signing the treaty. With the Czech’s the last man out, their president will feel he has a strong hand.”

The New York Times echoes France 24’s assessment, but adds that

“Some Czech’s said that Mr. Klaus’s attempt to link the Lisbon treaty to post-war property claims… was a populist maneuver.  Others said the famously contrarian Mr. Klaus was seeking to assert his power and grab the spotlight.”

But Al Jazzera English says Klaus’ delay, has much to do with his philosophical stance on the EU, than with reparations.  It says Klaus is a Euro-skeptic, who is waiting on a constitutional court challenge to sign the treaty.

“Ranged against him, not only the power players of Europe but also his own countries parliament and prime minster… A deeply committed Euro-Skeptic, Klaus has likened the EU to the Soviet Union. No wonder he is against the Lisbon Treaty, which seeks to transfer more power to the center in Brussels in order to make the bloc more efficient.”

The Prague Daily Monitor blog speculates that Klaus has other reasons for refusing to ratify the treaty.

“[Klaus] is a strange personality who stood up as a Thatcherian economist in the early 1990s and who is not hiding his close relations to the circles of Vladimir Putin… Klaus is obsessed with the “aura” of his predecessor Vaclav Havel, La Libre Belgique writes. ‘By refusing to sign the treaty, Klaus could destroy Havel’s Legacy.’”

So what do you think?  Should the Czech President sign the Lisbon Treaty, or should he hold out and stay true to his principles? Let us know your thoughts.