Czech press survey.

(From Czech News Agency)

Prague, Sept 1 (CTK) - President Vaclav Klaus has been surprisingly passive, although the nation has no government for three months, Jan Machacek writes in Mlada fronta Dnes (MfD) about Klaus's role in the post-election stalemate. From time to time, Klaus emerges in the public, but then he hides himself again. The government of Mirek Topolanek, that will be introduced today, is not likely to be voted confidence, Machacek writes. What will follow? There are three alternatives: first, Klaus will enter the game with some "small step." Second, he will reshuffle the cards and unveil some far-sighted plan to reconcile the big parties or perhaps all of them. Third, there will be a ceremony at Prague Castle today after which the head of state will disappear again, Machacek writes. This will be so because in fact, Klaus does not have any plan as it is impossible to mastermind any. In fact, to be a laughing stock, it is the last thing Klaus would like to become, Machacek writes. At the time of Josef Tosovsky's caretaker cabinet, Klaus criticised former president Vaclav Havel for creating a cabinet at his discretion, which is not consistent with presidential powers. However, does not Klaus desire the same? May it happen that he will introduce "his own, presidential government," which would rule either until early elections or for the entire election term? Machacek asks. Another actor is entering the scene, Bob Flieder writes in Lidove noviny about the candidature of Martin Stepanek as new culture minister. What has he shown except acting? In what senior post has he displayed any managing qualities? Flieder asks rhetorically. One cannot find any such posts in Stepanek's CV. He is a political writer. He made his living as a radio reporter for years. He makes no secret that he is a free mason. So what is his appeal for ...