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: (+4202) 24810804, ext. 252, fax: (+4202) 24810987 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* C A R O L I N A No 248, Friday, May 23, 1997. FROM THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK (May 14-21) ODS Losing Voters, Social Democrats in Lead The Institute for Public Opinion Research (IVVM) reported May 14 that during the first week of May, the ruling Civic Democratic Party (ODS) had fallen farther out of favor than ever before - drawing support from only 18 percent of the voting population. Twenty-five per cent of voters support the Social Democrats, putting them clearly in the lead. Since the 1996 Parliament elections, ODS has lost 12 per cent in voter preference. Sociologists say ODS has fallen out of favor mainly with university students and businessmen. The IVVM research showed that voter support usually has remained within the coalition, shifting mostly to the Christian Democrats. The Christian Democrats are up to an all-time voter-preference high, with 14.5 per cent. Ten per cent support the other coalition party, the Civic Democratic Alliance, 6 per cent support the Communists and only three per cent support the neo-Fascist Republicans. The report shows that the Social Democrats and the Christian Democrats could fill the government and 108 of 200 seats in Parliament. The report has ignited talk of early elections and a Social Democrat-Christian Democrats coalition. Neither party chairman has been heard opposing the idea. Michal Schindler/Andrea Snyder Government Restructuring on Horizon A dramatic decrease in Civic Democratic Party (ODS) voter preference has left the Czech press speculating as to what extent Cabinet positions may change. Trade Minister Vladimir Dlouhy said May 16 he may resign and invited his ministerial colleagues to do the same. In a television discussion show, opposition Social Democrat Chairman Milos Zeman mentioned the possibility of a no-confidence vote in the government. ODS refuses to appoint new ministers and expects their reform package will improve the Czech Republic's economy within six months. The Social Democrats are not as patient as the government. "We promised them 100 days (to evaluate the reforms' effect) and although we believe the government is inept, we will fulfill that," said Zeman May 15. Zeman went on to announce that he refuses to tolerate more government blunders and called for the resignation of five ministers, including Finance Minister Ivan Kocarnik (ODS) and Dlouhy. The Social Democrats are to announce their own economic reform plan in a few days. Michal Schindler/Andrea Snyder After deadline: Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus announced May 20 that up to six ministers would lose their jobs, though specific names are to be announced next week. Dlouhy has confirmed he will leave his post by the end of the year. Havel Back from USA Czech President Vaclav Havel returned May 18 from the a visit to the USA, where he accepted the European Statesman Award. Havel and his German counterpart, Roman Herzog, received the prestigious awards at the Institute for East-West Studies in New York for their individual roles in the peace process between the two countries. Havel spoke in the US Congress about NATO expansion problems. Congress will play an important role in ratifying new members. He also visited the United Nations, and had dinner with American President Bill Clinton at Czech-born Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's residence. When Havel arrived at Prague's Ruzyne Airport, he supported the current criticisms of the government. He said the crisis is more in the government's program than in government irresponsibility. Havel added that "problems should not be solved in sudden packages, packed together by the government overnight under pressure of the situation, but rather a measures on the basis of a long-term program." Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus refused to comment on the president's words, the daily MF DNES reported. Vit Bartek and Michal Schindler/Andrea Snyder Buzkova Tops Popularity Poll In a survey conducted by The Center for Empirical Research (STEM) at the beginning of May, 1600 people age 16 and up were asked which politicians they liked best. Social Democrat deputy leader Petra Buzkova was clearly the most popular with 78% support. Meanwhile the popularity of many government politicians fell to an historic low, the biggest drop being registered by industry and trade minister Vladimir Dlouhy, who at times has ranked first. The top ten places in the poll were held by the following individuals: 1. Petra Buzkova (Social Democrat) at 78 per cent; 2. Foreign Minister Josef Zieleniec (ODS), 61; 3. Stanislav Gross (Soc. Dem.), 61; 4. Agriculture Minister Josef Lux (Christian Democrat chairman), 55; 5. Senate Chairman Petr Pithart (aligned with the Christian Democrats), 51; 6. Parliament Chairman Milos Zeman (Soc. Dem.), 49; 7. Civic Democratic Party (ODA) Chairman Michael Zantovsky, 46; 8. Trade Minister Vladimir Dlouhy (ODA), 43; 9. Defense Minister Miloslav Vyborny (Christian Democrats), 41; and 10. Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus (ODS), 36. Andy Faust Screening to Continue Parliament rejected May 20 the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia's proposal to cancel the practice of screening ("lustration"), the checking of someone's past for Secret Police and Communist collaboration. Communist Parliament deputies requested revoking not only the Screening Act of 1991 but also its later amendments and the later legal norms concerning the police and Reformatory Education Committee. They pointed out that the laws have been criticized by some international organizations. Some Social Democrats also attacked the laws. Zdenek Jicinsky (Social Democrat) accused the right of attempting to influence politics through screening. On the contrary, the far-right Republicans supported the coalition and, together with government coalition parties, outvoted the left wing. Based on screening laws, 280,542 screenings were made from 1991-95, of which 9,522 determined collaboration. Vit Bartek/Denisa Vitkova Independent Hemp Growers Met At the end of the last week, approximately 100 supporters of soft-drug (e.g., marijuana, hashish) legalization met on Wenceslas Square in Prague. The meeting, under the auspices of a free association of people calling themselves "independent hemp growers," aimed to draw attention to the absurdity to the prosecution of users of illegal drugs, and asked for "decriminalization of all hemp products by the end of 1997." "We are not forcing anyone to smoke marijuana, it is not the center of our life, nor do we consider this the most urgent problem. However, some in our country are using marijuana as a general pretense for repression," said Ivo Kachtik, one of the meeting's initiators, in his declaration addressed to Interior Minister Jan Ruml and the National Anti-Drug Center Director Jiri Komorous, among others. According to recently drafted amendments to the criminal code, soft-drug consumers should, in the future, face at least a misdemeanor charge, in worse cases the suspension of drivers' or gun licenses, or a high fine. Lenka Javurkova/Denisa Vitkova FROM SLOVAKIA Slovaks to Vote on NATO and Direct Presidential Election A referendum about NATO membership and direct presidential election will be held in Slovakia May 23-4. Voters will answer four questions in the referendum: Do you support Slovak membership in NATO? Do you agree with the placement of nuclear weapons on Slovak territory? Do you agree with the placement of NATO army bases on Slovak territory? Do you agree with the direct election of the Slovak president? Slovak politicians think that as for NATO membership, the result of the referendum is unpredictable. If Slovaks say "no," it may affect the integration of the country into Euro-atlantic structures. It is, however, evident already that Slovakia will not be among the first wave of new members of NATO. The opposition was especially active on the fourth question, concerning direct presidential election, because the Slovak government tried a number of tricks to eliminate it from the referendum. The Constutional Court, however, rejected any objections to placing the fourth question in the referendum. Jan Potucek/Zdenek Janda Slovak President Not to Run Again Slovak President Michal Kovac announced in an interview for Radio Twist May 19 he does not intend to run for re-election presidential next year. Kovac has been criticized by coalition parties for his support of the opposition's successful effort to call a referendum on direct presidential election. Coalition parties claim he wanted to use the referendum to ensure himself re-election. Jan Potucek/Zdenek Janda After deadline: Kovac said he might run, if he were asked to by a "relevant political force". ECONOMY CNB Intervention Should Save Crown The Czech National Bank (CNB) radically intervened May 16 on the banking market by increasing the Lombard rate from 14 per cent to 50 per cent. The measure should shoo away speculative capital and strengthen the weakened position of the crown. The crown's dive was stopped May 19 and May 20, but the situation still means serious danger for economic growth, experts said. "It's possible to maintain a policy of high rates for a month or longer, but that will choke off any growth and an ecomonic drop will follow," said Vladimir Kreidl of Patria Finance May 21 to the daily MF DNES. The Commerce Bank's answer to the dramatic development by increased reference rate. The rate, which partially determines deposits and loans, will double, to 24.6 per cent. Other banks are waiting. Vit Bartek/Magdalena Vanova IPB Case Continues Investment and Postal Bank (IPB) General Director Jiri Tesar and his deputy Libor Prochazka were set free after 21 days of prison May 20. The State Attorney's Office decided that there is no longer any reason to keep either of them behind bars, although the office had expressed the opposite opinion last week. The reasons for imprisonment have disappeared, said Prague State Attorney Jan Krivanek, and the two remain charged but will be free. However, he did not rule out the possibility that Tesar and Prochazka could face new charges. Lucie Vackova/Magdalena Vanova MARKETS AND COMPANIES * The Prague's Stock Market is falling and falling. The PX-50 index is being dragged down by the biggest companies, such as SPT Telecom, CEZ and Commerce Bank (Komercni banka), and crossed the psychological barrier of 500 points. The index stood at 489.6 after May 20, the low-water mark since November. * Motoinvest Director Jan Dienstl, charged in connection with machinations in Agrobanka, was set free from jail, though charges were not dropped. * Banka Hana General Director Pavel Rucky resigned, not offering an explanation for the public. * Brno Fairs and Exhibits declared net profits of 170 million crowns, with a turnover of 1.94 billion crowns. The general meeting decided that per-share dividends will be 90 crowns. * The Wealth Fund (Fond bohatstvi) of the First Investment Company ended 1996 with a 674-million-crown loss, mainly becouse of overvaluing stocks. The loss will be covered from their capital fund over the next seven years. * Bicycle-maker Favorit had to lower share capital by 40 per cent to cover past losses. Last year, for the first time in three years, the company did not end up in the red. Martin Cermak/Matej Cerny Exchange Rates at the Czech National Bank (valid from May 22) country currency ------------------------------------------ Australia 1 AUD 23.584 Belgium 100 BEF 87.062 Great Britain 1 GBP 50.298 Denmark 1 DKK 4.720 Finland 1 FIM 5.954 France 1 FRF 5.331 Ireland 1 IEP 46.601 Italy 1000 ITL 18.253 Japan 100 JPY 26.643 Canada 1 CAD 22.248 Luxemburg 100 LUF 87.062 Hungary 100 HUF 16.814 Netherlands 1 NLG 15.987 Norway 1 NOK 4.313 New Zealand 1 NZD 21.089 Poland 1 PLN 9.656 Portugal 100 PTE 17.863 Austria 1 ATS 2.553 Greece 100 GRD 11.307 Slovakia 100 SKK 91.203 Germany 1 DEM 17.971 Spain 100 ESP 21.357 Sweden 1 SEK 4.040 Switzerland 1 CHF 21.588 USA 1 USD 30.359 ECU 1 XEU 35.101 IMF 1 XDR 42.481 CULTURE Another Film Based on a Viewegh Bestseller Released Bringing up Girls in Bohemia (Vychova divek v Cechach), the second movie based on a novel by successful young Czech writer Michal Viewegh this year, had its big-screen premiere May 15. First-time director Petr Koliha said it is a film for the public, about love, relationships and a death on the basis of the postmodern novel. The story is about a young teacher who accepts an offer from the millionaire Kral, who asks him to teach his extravagant daughter creative writing. Ondrej Pavelka, Anna Geislerova (known from Jan Sverak's film The Ride) and Slovak actor Milan Lasica star in the movie. The first adaptation of a Viewegh novel, The Wonderful Years of Living Lousy (Bajecna leta pod psa), has been in cinemas since April. Pavel Novak/Jan Majer International Theater Festival in Hradec Kralove The third year of the festival Theater of European Regions started in Hradec Kralove May 17. Twenty-six ensembles, among them 11 from abroad, are taking part in the festival, which ends May 25. The festival was opened by the play Dragon (Drak) performed by the Russian theater Near the Bridge (U mostu) from Perm. Other foreign ensembles came from Belgium, Slovakia, Sweden, Germany, France and the USA. The most significant guest of the festival is Israeli-Czech writer and Hradec Kralove native Viktor Fischl (Talks with Jan Masaryk, The Court Jesters, Farewell to Jerusalem). The festival program will be closed with the most successful Czech staging of 1996, J.A. Pitinsky's variation on Bernhard's play Ritter, Dene, Voss, performed by Prague's Theater on the Balustrade (Divadlo na Zabradli). Lucie Vackova/Milan Smid Exhibit of Contemporary Chinese Art in Prague The exhibit entitled The Face and Body of the Middle Kingdom is the first representative review of contemporary Chinese art in the Czech Republic, presenting selected works from some of the most famous Chinese avantgarde artists of the 90's. At first sight, most of the works seem to be inspired by western art trends, but modified with a special Chinese accent. The theme of the exhibit - the human body and face - reflects the dominance of these themes in today's Chinese art. The exhibit is taking place in Prague's Rudolfinum and presents a unique possibility to see at least once the art of such a distant cultural milieu. Vit Bartek/Sofia Karakeva SPORTS Wesemann Wins Jubilee Course de la Paix Cyclist from the German professional team Telekom's B-team Steffen Wesemann won the 50th running of the Course de la Paix (Peace Race). The German representative won three of 10 stages in the race and won the race for the third time. His teammate Henn finished second and another German, Voigt, representing the Czech-Australian team ZVVZ Giant, was third. Kejval was the top Czech finisher, as he finished eighth, 7:49 minutes behind the winner. Kejval started the race as a ZVVZ Giant member after spending the last two years suspended for doping. Trkal was the best cyclist in the Czech national squad's uniform, he finished 20th and lost more than 22 minutes to the winner. The most famous cyclist of all time, Eddy Merckx from Belgium, was present at the winner's ceremony in Brno for the first time. Mirek Langer/Mirek Langer Slovak-Czech Match Postponed till August 24 The soccer World Cup 1998 qualification match between Slovakia and the Czech Republic will be played August 24. The match had been planned for May 21, but the UEFA Cup final match fell on the same day. In this match, Inter Milan and Schalke 04 played, and Czech representatives Nemec and Latal play for Schalke. The German team leaders initiated the change because they feared the absence of both players. The Czech Soccer Union accepted one of the three dates which Slovakia offered, and the international soccer federation FIFA accepted the date. The Czech national team will play its next qualification match June 8 in Spain. Nemec and Latal played the whole match in the UEFA Cup final and, after penalty shots, their Schalke side won the trophy. Mirek Langer/Mirek Langer SPORTS IN BRIEF * The NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs have taken an interest in both Czech players nominated for the All-Star team at the World Championships: Vladimir Vujtek and Martin Prochazka. * Czech Republic results in the handball world championships in Japan: loss to Egypt 22-24, victory over Brazil 24-10. * Last year's champion Slavia Praha and second-league champ Dukla Praha will play the Czech national soccer cup final June 15. * Czech tennis player Jana Novotna lost in the semifinals in Rome to Mary Joe Fernandez from the United States. * The Czech Republic lost matches with Croatia and Australia in the men's tennis World Cup in Dusseldorf, Germany. * Retired Czech tennis player and one-time ATP top-10 member Karel Novacek, together with Sweden's Mats Wilander, were suspended for three months for using cocaine, after they withdrew their appeal against the International Tennis Federation's decision. * About 10,000 people took part in the popular march to the village of Prcice May 17, with routes ranging from 22 kilometers to 70 kilometers. Mirek Langer/Mirek Langer WEATHER At the end of the week and especially on the weekend, sunglasses, sunburned shoulders and noses and melting ice cream were the order of the day. People in the streets were peeling off any clothes that were not essential as they tried to escape the burning rays and 30-degree Celsius/86-degree Fahrenheit heat by fleeing into the shade of wine bars and blooming trees. The work week was marked, on the other hand, by omnipresent gray skies, showers and frowning faces, which slowly lost their first tan and all their encouraging summer humor. Simona Malkovska/Andy Faust English version edited bz Michael Bluhm ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This news may be published only with "CAROLINA" designation. The subscription is free. Comments and remarks are appreciated. 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