CCCCC AA RRRRR OOOO LL II NN N AA CC AA A RR R OO O LL II NNN N AA A CC AA A RRRRR OO O LL II NN N N AA A CC AAAAAA RR R OO O LL II NN NN AAAAAA CCCCC AA A RR R OOOO LLLLLL II NN N AA A STUDENTS' E-MAIL NEWS FROM CZECH REPUBLIC Faculty of Social Science of Charles University Smetanovo nabr. 6 110 01 Prague 1 Czech Republic e-mail: CAROLINA@cuni.cz tel: (+42 2) 24810804, ext. 252, fax: (+42 2) 24810987 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* C A R O L I N A No 228, Friday, December 20, 1996. FROM THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK (December 11-18) Kalvoda Resigns over Title Jan Kalvoda's resignation from Parliament and the government shocked the nation December 17. The former minister of justice, vice-chairman of the government and Civic Democratic Alliance (ODA) chairman, announced that his departure was due to his unauthorized use of the title juris doctor, or doctor of law. Although Kalvoda graduated from Charles University's School of Law, he did not apply for the rigorous exam that would have authorized his use of the Czech title JUDr. "I do not like to be a continuation in this series (see Titlemania Continues below), but that is how it is. The title JUDr. does not belong to me. I allowed it to be attached to me, something I consider to be my mistake," said Kalvoda. Confusion reigned in Parliament after his announcement. Jan Kasal, who was chairing the session, immediately closed it, and the deputies left for their separate parliamentary clubs. Members of the government were also surprised when Kalvoda told them of his decision just a few minutes before his announcement in Parliament. "It was a huge shock, we all had to have a shot of whiskey," said Deputy Prime Minister Josef Lux of the Christian Democrats, in response to his colleague's resignation. Kalvoda personally delivered his letter to the Office of the Government and visited President Vaclav Havel's sickbed. Although the president invited him to reconsider his resignation, the prime minister had already officially sent it to the President's Office, and as in such cases, according to constitutional law, the president must accept it. Kalvoda remains ODA chairman until the party congress in the spring. Zdenek Janda/Andrea Snyder Former Czech Prime Minister Heads Senate It was only after the second round of secret voting at the Czech Senate's first session that Petr Pithart of the Christian Democrats was voted in as Senate leader December 18. Czech prime minister in the Czechoslovak Federal Republic from 1990 to 1992, Pithart received 39 of 81 votes in the first round, two short of the necessary majority. In the second round, 13 of his own party supported him, along with 25 Social Democrats. Union leader Richard Falbr, who was elected as an independent, had also openly supported Pithart. The two remaining votes must have been cast by members of the ruling Civic Democratic Party, the Civic Democratic Alliance and/or the Communists, all of whom had publicly contended that Pithart was unacceptable for the position. In his acceptance speech, Pithart said he plans to patiently and carefully listen to all opinions, and to be impartial. He also expressed wishes for an active Senate, saying that the new body should not just wait for laws from Parliament, but act on its own initiative, mentioning also the "immorally broad immunity of Senators and members of Parliament". The newly elected Senators were sworn in by their oldest colleague, Jaroslav Musial of the Social Democrats, who presided over the session. Ondra Provaznik/Andrea Snyder Havel's Illness Receding After three weeks in the hospital, President Vaclav Havel spent his first weekend without a fever. His condition has been slowly getting better for a few days, and Havel wrote a two-page note December 15 to thank people for their concern about his health. The president's convalescence from serious surgery December 2, when doctors removed a malignant tumor and half his right lung, was been complicated by pneumonia December 7. After that, he was given antibiotics and a respiratory apparatus to support his breathing. Also the medical team taking care of President was expanded to 12 members, and American expert Robert Ginsberg from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of New York came for a two-day consultation. Connected to Havel's illness, his office also confirmed an intimate relationship between the president and an actress Dagmar Veskrnova. Presidential press spokesman Ladislav Spacek said, while subbing for Havel in Havel's weekly radio program, "Mr. president's girlfriend Dasa Veskrnova has played a very important role in caring for the condition of Mr. president's spirit." Matej Cerny/Denisa Vitkova Titlemania Continues Even before Jan Kalvoda's resignation sent shock waves throughout the country, Pavla Jurkova of the Christian Democrats renounced her parliamentary mandate for using the title juris doctor without meeting its qualifications. Like Kalvoda, she graduated from Charles University's School of Law, but did not complete the final exam. Following a formal suggestion by the Republicans, Parliament's organizational committee will check all members' academic titles. After the disclosure that Parliament deputy Marie Noveska of the Social Democrats was affixing the title to her name without having finished her legal studies (see Carolina 227), two more pretenders were discovered. Ondrej Zemina and Anna Roschova, both of the Civic Democratic Party, were also accused of using the distinction without the necessary qualifications. Zemina's assumed title figured on the official list of Parliament deputies during the June elections, as well as in ODS brochures. The same brochures also list Roschova as a Doctor of Law, but the new list of Parliament members shows her as the recipient of a Masters' degree, which she had not earned, either. Although the juris doctor does not belong to either Roschova or Zemina, both finished law school. Both claim the use of the title was a mistake made either in the offices of Parliament or by the editors of the printed materials. Jaroslav Schovanec/Andrea Snyder Government Pushes through Budget On December 13 the government succeeded in getting its 1997 state budget proposal passed in Parliament, where the opposition has a majority (101 deputies to 99 deputies for the coalition). Surprisingly, the issue was decided by the votes of two opposition Social Democrat deputies. Ninety-nine of 196 Parliament members voted for the budget (which forecasts incomes and expenses of 549 billion crowns) - among them the Social Democrats Jozef Wagner and Tomas Teplik. While Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus did not conceal his satisfaction, Social Democratic Party Chairman Milos Zeman sharply denounced these two Parliament members' votes: "A deputy who acts against his party's program should not be a member." Before the voting, there was a discussion on many alternative proposals, the most substantial of which was brought up by the Social Democrats. Zeman was to support the budget only if it included an increase in teachers' wages. School unions have threatened a strike on January 28 if the government does not officially promise increased wages of 18.9 per cent. This, like most of other proposals, was rejected. However, one day before the vote, it was not sure whether the coalition would votes together. The Civic Democratic Alliance (ODA) declared it would agree with the budget only with tax decreases and deregulation of rents and energy prices, (see Carolina 226), and ODA ministers were ready to resign if this requirement was not met. Other coalition members refused these demands and considered them improper pressure since similar formulations were included in the coalition agreement. After the coalition parties' official declaration that they are to continue in economic transformation and to deregulate energy, heat and rent prices gradually by the first half of the year 2000, and they are not to use a possible budget surplus for other purposes than for decreasing taxes, ODA decided to support the budget. David Simonik/Denisa Vitkova Social Democrat Central Committee Expels Wagner and Teplik The Social Democrats no longer have a majority in Parliament after the central committee expelled Jozef Wagner and Tomas Teplik from their party December 14. The expulsion followed their vote on favor of the 1997 state budget proposed by the coalition. They were also requested to give up their mandates. According to party Chairman Milos Zeman, the party cannot count on the representatives who not only supported the government project but also voted against all alternative proposals submitted by their party colleagues. This was flatly refused by Teplik: "I was supporting the important things, like raising teacher's wages," while only Wagner actually voted against all the proposals. Both claimed they personally remain Social Democrats. It was necessary, as Wagner said, to support the budget to avoid unstability and the alternatives, like raising teachers' wages, would have been only nonsystematic measures. David Simonik/Magdalena Vanova Buzkova Baby Born Parliament's Deputy Chairwoman Petra Buzkova of the opposition Social Democrats became a mother December 17. Her daughter Anicka measures 52 cm/20.5 inches and weighs 3.75 kg/8.25 pounds. The baby's surname is after her father, Josef Kotrba. Kotrba is an economist, and a member of coalition-member the Civic Democratic Alliance. Lida Truneckova/Andrea Snyder FROM SLOVAKIA Slovak President Addresses Empty Room on Slovak Nation Slovak President Michal Kovac spoke in the Slovak National Assembly December 11 session on the state of the nation in Slovakia. Only opposition deputies and Assembly Chairman Ivan Gasparovic of the ruling Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS) and Chairman of the Mandate Committee Antonin Poliak of the coalition United Workers' Party stayed to listen. The other deputies of the ruling coalition left the room before the president's speech. Although the president expressed satisfaction over the country's economic growth, he was very critical of the internal political situation in Slovakia. He also addressed the case of former HZDS deputy Frantisek Gaulieder, whose parliamentary mandate was unconstitutionally taken away. Foreign viewers called the exit of the ruling party disrespectful to the head of state, unlike anything anywhere else in the world. From SME, Jan Potucek/Andrea Snyder Meciar Considering Changes in 1998 Election Dates Slovak Premier and Chairman of the Slovakia's ruling party, Vladimir Meciar has speculated on changing the October 1998 national elections. He says that in its current form, Parliament will not be able to elect a new president. President Michal Kovac's term ends in March 1998. Meciar has proposed national elections in June 1998 or changing the dates of the November local elections in 1998. The opposition is considering proposing direct election of the president, which could be advantageous to the current head of state. Kovac is supported by roughly half of the voting population. Meciar refuses similar proposals. From SME, Jan Potucek/Andrea Snyder NEWS IN BRIEF * Slovak Parliament passed an unpopular amendment to the Penal Code December 17, enabling imprisonment of someone who organizes mass demonstrations which threaten to subvert the state. * Vice-President Pavol Bezak of CEBO Holding Slovakia Partizanske was murdered. This is the second CEBO-related killing, apparently due to the firm's high debts. * All 3,000 copies were swept up at an autograph-signing session for the book Meciar and Meciarism December 14. Jan Potucek/Andrea Snyder ECONOMY Czech and Slovak Leaders Discuss Import Quotas in Dublin Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus and Slovak Premier Vladimir Meciar met December 14 in Dublin, Ireland at an EU summit meeting. They spoke about import quotas for Czech agricultural goods, which Bratislava wants to implement January 1. Klaus said that introducing the quotas violates the Central European Free Trade Agreement and the Czech-Slovak tariff union. Meciar says problems arise from over-production. The statesmen decided that Czech and Slovak finance ministers will discuss the problem. Jan Potucek/Andrea Snyder COMPANIES AND MARKETS * No great changes were noted last week, after December 18, the PX 50 index was at 522.1 points. Trading on the quoted market was at more than 100 million crowns, one-fifth of which was trading of investment fund SPIF Cesky. * Pilsen (Plzen) liquor producer Stock's sales are rising. December 12 180,000 liters were sold, 60 per cent of which were Fernet. Eleven million liters of the bitter liquor should be sold this year, as compared to 2.7 million liters sold in 1990. * The Motokov trading company will try to take 80 per cent of the Zetor tractor company's share from the Consolidation Bank (Konsolidacni banka). Motokov owns the FINOP concern, an umbrella company for foreign trading companies now controlled by the Czechoslovak Trade Bank (Ceskoslovenska obchodni banka). Motokov International, a Motokov subsidiary, will handle most of Zetor's export activities. * The Czech Central Bank implemented forced administration on one of the country's largest crown funds - the Litomerice Czech National Investment Company, due to the loss of investors'deposits worth 1.7 billion crowns. Other administrative changes are being made at the Agrobanka II investment fund, which damaged its shareholders, for example by purchasing so many of Credit Bank Pilsen's (Kreditni banka Plzen) worthless shares. * The Czech company Spolchemie's bid for 55 per cent of Bulgaria's Orgachim was rejected. Martin Cermak/Andrea Snyder Exchange Rates at the Czech National Bank (valid from December 19) country currency ------------------------------------------ Great Britain 1 GBP 45.910 France 1 FRF 5.234 Japan 100 JPY 24.174 Canada 1 CAD 20.104 Austria 1 ATS 2.514 Slovakia 100 SKK 86.483 Germany 1 DEM 17.693 Switzerland 1 CHF 20.686 USA 1 USD 27.445 ECU 1 XEU 34.080 IMF 1 XDR 39.517 CULTURE Czech Nightingales: Lucie Bila, Karel Gott and Olympic Results of the Czech Nightingale public poll for the most popular Czech singers and musicians were announced at Prague's Karlin Musical Theater December 14. The organizers - Czech magazines Flowers (Kvety) and Young World (Mlady svet), renewed the tradition of the "Golden Nightingale," abandoned after 1990 as a relic of the Communist era. The 1996 winners were Karel Gott as best male singer, Lucie Bila as best female singer and, in the rock group category, Olympic. A record number of 137,000 people sent their votes, while Gott won for the 23rd time. Female winner Lucie Bila is a generation younger than Gott, and won for the first time. The most popular group, at least according to this poll, Olympic has been at it since the 60's, although the younger generation has its own idols now, like the pop groups Buty and Lucie, which placed second and third, respectively. The musicians, giving their speeches at the presentation of the prizes of Czech glass and Czech garnet, sent their regards and wishes for a quick recovery to President Vaclav Havel. Jaroslav Schovanec/Jan Majer American Rock'n'Roll Legend Kiss Meets with Great Success Members of legendary glam-rock group Kiss performed their show at the sold-old Prague Sport Hall twice, December 14-5. Kiss played their biggest hits and, after resounding applause, ended the concert with their most famous anthem, Rock'n'Roll All Nite. At the end of both concerts, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley declared Prague the capital of Rock'n'Roll. No wonder, the group never was allowed to come or to be broadcast in Communist Czechoslovakia and their fans still adore their black-and-white-painted image. Both concerts had the biggest attendance of all Kiss concerts in Europe. Matej Cerny/Jan Majer New Biographies of Czech Actors Marvan and Kopecky The life stories of famed Czech actors Milos Kopecky and Jaroslav Marvan were issued by Eminent Publishers earlier this month. The first book is called Milos Kopecky: Me, the second is titled The Private Life of Jaroslav Marvan. Pavel Kovar arranged Kopecky's posthumous biography from Kopecky's diary, tapes, notes, scraps and correspondence, with the help of the actor's fourth wife, Jana. Kopecky freely writes about his love affairs with prostitutes, the life of a son from a mixed Jewish family during World War II, his relationships with politicians and his serious health problems. Marvan's niece Jarmila Nova had difficulties with The Private Life of Jaroslav Marvanova in gathering his writings, but she compensated with her own recollections and those of her mother. With her husband Peter she wrote a monograph which differs from other books about Marvan foremost in its efforts at an unbiased, open look at the life of a famous actor. "Information about his fees for film roles appear here, we reprinted the drastic document about Marvan's death, records of marital spats. We don't ignore the fact that he drank, but at the same time we explain why he drank," said Nova. She claims Marvan was a "workaholic" (he acted in more than 200 films) and to a certain extent became a victim of the political atmosphere of his time. Jiri Kuchar Publishers is preparing for 1997 another book about Kopecky, in which they plan to publish correspondence between Kopecky and Lubomir Strougal, Communist prime minister during the normalization of the 70's and 80's, as well as correspondence with Alois Indra, who served as chairman of Parliament during normalization. Magdalena Vanova/Magdalena Vanova Nativity Scenes Visit Hradec Kralove during Advent About 280 nativity scenes, paintings on glass, postcards and stamps (all with nativity scene motifs) can be found during the second International Nativity Scene Exhibition at the Pastoral Center in Hradec Kralove from December 3 till January 20. After the last event, which took place two years ago and was visited by an admirable 60,000 people, the organizers - the Czech Alliance of Nativity-Scene Friends - are trying to raise the quality of this year's exhibition by borrowing more valuable pieces. Thanks to a year-long search, Vladimir Vaclik, the commissary of the exhibit, has prepared a display of the most valuable items which can be found in nativity-scene art on Czech territory. The most valuable piece from a historical point of view is a nativity scene made by members of the Jesuit Society, originating from the 18th century. It is the only one of its kind (the dissolving of the Jesuit Society in 1773 brought about the destruction of many of its religious artworks). The biggest piece occupies a 10-square-meter/32.5-square-foot space, a painted nativity scene including 600 figures from the 19th century. Its installation lasted about 20 hours. There are also foreign pieces - among them ones from Japan, Alaska, Korea and Africa. Optimistic organizers count on a large number of visitors this year, also. Preparations for the next exhibit, which will take place two years from now at the same place and during the same time, have started already. Pavel Novak/Katerina Zachovalova SPORT Canoeist Martin Doktor Named Czech Sportsman of the Year Two-time Olympic champion in Atlanta, canoeist Martin Doktor was voted the 1996 top Czech athlete by the Sport Journalists Club. He defeated two-time Olympic champion (Barcelona, Atlanta) and javelin world-record holder Jan Zelezny, who had already won the crystal crown for top sportsman twice - in 1993 and 1995. Another Atlanta winner, slalom-canoeist Stepanka Hilgertova, finished third. So many successful Olympians filled the first 10 places that only hockey player Jaromir Jagr and soccer player Karel Poborsky managed to get among them. The country's soccer squad, European Championships silver-medalists from England, were voted the top team. After them, the Czech hockey representation, world champions from Vienna, finished second and the UEFA Cup semifinalist Slavia Praha finished third. Stefan Danko, winner of the Paralympic Games in Atlanta in javelin, got the crystal crown for the best handicapped sportsman. The Top 10 Sportsmen of the Czech Republic: 1. MARTIN DOKTOR (canoe - sprint, two gold Olympic medals from 500 meters and 1,000 meters), 2. JAN ZELEZNY (track and field - javelin, Olympic gold medal and world record), 3. STEPANKA HILGERTOVA (kayak - slalom, Olympic gold medal), 4. JANA NOVOTNA (tennis, Olympic silver from singles and bronze from doubles, world's third-ranked female player), 5. TOMAS DVORAK (track and field - decathlon, Olympic bronze medal and European indoor championships silver medal), 6. JAROMIR JAGR (hockey, the N.H.L.'s best right wing, probably), 7. LUKAS POLLERT (canoe - slalom, Olympic silver medal), 8. SARKA KASPARKOVA (track and field - triple jump, Olympic bronze medal and European indoor championships silver medal), 9. KAREL POBORSKY (soccer, European championships silver medal), 10. MIROSLAV SIMEK, JIRI ROHAN (canoe - slalom, Olympic silver medal). Zdenek Janda/Mirek Langer Ski-Jumping World Cup Competition Weekend in Harrachov The December 14 World Cup competition belonged to Japanese ski jumpers - Funaki did not only gain take first place, but he also broke the Harrachov ski-jump record (141.5 meters). Two other Japanese jumpers, Okabe and Saitoh, ended up behind the Slovenian Peterka, who garnered second place. Peterka then won the final December 15 competition, defeating Austria's Goldberger and Norway's Brenden. The new generation of Czech athletes finally made it to the front of the ski-jumping charts on this windy and snowy ski-jump. The leading ones are Jakub Suchacek (7th Saturday, 13th Sunday) and Robert Krenek (14th Saturday, 8th Sunday). Also, Jaroslav Sakala, who fights problems with take-off, climbed to the 10th position Sunday after being 47th the day before. There is hope the Czech ski-jumping tradition will not lose its good reputation, especially thanks to its new faces. Honza Mazak/Katerina Zachovalova Czechs Win Five Medals in European Swimming Winter Championships Thanks mainly to women, Czech swimmers got two golds, one silver and two bronzes in the European Championships in the 25-meter pool in Germany's Rostock. Pivonkova (200-meter breaststroke) and Kynerova (400-meter freestyle) became champions, Pivonkova then got one silver in the 100-meter breaststroke. Malek (50-meter breaststroke) and Chrastova (400-meter individual medley) got bronzes. The championships also brought seven new Czech records. Honza Mazak/Mirek Langer SPORTS IN BRIEF * Katerina Neumannova finished fourth in the cross-country World Cup 15 kilometers freestyle in Brusson, Italy December 14. * Radka Kovarikova and Rene Novotny, the best Czech figure-skating couple, did not defend their 1996 title and finished third in the World Professional Championships in Landover in the U.S.A. * Winners of the Czech Republic Figure Skating Championships in Usti nad Labem: Men: Nekola, women: Kulovana, ice dancing: Vondrkova, Kral. They all qualify for the European Championships in Paris, where Mrazova and Simecek (they did not compete in Usti because of injury) will also go. Honza Mazak/Mirek Langer WEATHER Predicting Weather in Slovak Legislature for 1997 Situation - A cold front from the West has been sweeping Slovakia, followed by an increase in public opinion pressure. Prediction through June, 1997 - Clouds and murky skies roll in, especially over the governing coalition. A weak rain will fall in the lower ranks, becoming hail at higher altitudes, for example in the Blue Alliance. A light breeze from the East will strenghthen the cold front from the West. In the southwest, we can expect thunder (anger of V.M.). Bad conditions for dissolution. Frost from the Kremlin. Prediction for June-December, 1997 - The high pressure of public opinion will bring nice sunny weather. The sky will clear at higher levels, like the Blue Alliance. Conditions for the thaw will be good, small coalition parties will melt among the opposition. The sun will shine again in Bratislava for the first time in three years. Happy holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Slovak Department of Carolina from Jan Potucek The Carolina staff wishes all our readers Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas amd a Happy New Year. We look forward to your interest in our first 1997 edition January 10. English version edited by Michael Bluhm xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ANNOUNCING: The International Study Program of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Beginning in February 1997, a one-semester English-language program will be offered twice a year in Central and Eastern European Studies, with a selection of courses in modern history and recent political and economic developments in the region. Some courses are also available in German. For further information contact Cyril Simsa at: E-mail-- svoz@mbox.fsv.cuni.cz Phone-- 42/2/2481 0804 Fax-- 42/2/2481 0987 When e-mailing, please include a regular mailing address so an information packet can be sent without delay. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This news may be published only with "CAROLINA" designation. The subscription is free. Comments and remarks are appreciated. 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