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Carolina (English) No 197
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STUDENT'S 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 197, Friday, April 5, 1996.
FROM THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK (March 27-April 4)
British Royal Couple Visits Czech Republic March 27-29
The Queen's schedule continued March 28 with a visit to Brno. Brno
Mayor Dagmar Lastovecka welcomed her Majesty to the city at the New Town
Hall, after which the Queen made her way to Freedom Square (Namesti
svobody), where thousands of Brno citizens awaited her. After a lavish
lunch, Elizabeth II and President Vaclav Havel met with university and
justice respresentatives. After returning to Prague, the Queen and her
husband, Prince Philip, attended a concert at the Rudolfinum.
Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Josef Lux, Prince Philip
visited the National Stud Farms in Kladruby nad Labem and the historical
town of Kutna hora. On the same day, he opened an exhibition featuring
the newest products of British design at Prague's New Town Hall.
Elizabeth II visited the Old Town Hall March 29, where Prague Mayor
Jan Koukal presented her with the symbolic key to the city gates. At
Prague's Freedom Square, Prince Philip honored fallen Czech pilots from
World War II, and met with veterans. The royal couple toured the city of
Prague until their departure to England in the evening.
Darina Coufalova/Andrea Snyder
Uhde Explains Why British Queen Did Not Address Parliament
At the April 2 meeting of the representatives of parliamentary
deputy clubs, head of coalition partner Civic Democratic Alliance (ODA)
club Ivan Masek accused Parliament Chairman Milan Uhde of damaging
Parliament's reputation. This was after the discovery that six months
prior to Queen Elizabeth's visit, Uhde responded to the British
ambassador's request that the Queen be allowed to address Parliament
with worries about insufficient attendance in Parliament and the
reaction of extremist parties. Much of the opposition and many of the
coalitions reacted in uproar to the announcement. ODA deputy Josef Jezek
went as far as to call for Uhde's resignation, a proposal that he later
withdrew.
Uhde reacted to the criticism with a letter addressed to
Parliament, where he writes that, besides speaking with the ambassador,
he received neither an official nor an unofficial offer.
Michaela Vysoudilova/Andrea Snyder
Demonstration for Human Rights in Chechnya
Nearly 100 people gathered in front of the Russian Embassy March
28 to protest the Russian military invasion of Chechnya. Most of the
demonstrators were young people, but included as well Parliament deputy
Zdenek Trojan and the director of the Man in Emergency Foundation
(Clovek v tisni) Simon Panek. They presented the embassy with a protest
letter addressed to the Russian government and President Boris Yeltsin.
Maria Tripoliti/Andrea Snyder
20 Parties and Movements Running for Parliament
Seventeen parties and three movements submitted their ballots for
Parliament elections by the April 1 deadline. The elections will take
place this year May 31 and June 1. In 1992, 23 parties put together
ballots. Pre-election polls show that six parties have a chance to win
at least 5 per cent from the more than 7.5 million voters; the governing
Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Christian Democratic
Union-Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU-CSL), the Civic Democratic
Alliance (ODA), and from the opposition the Czech Social Democratic
Party (CSSD), the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) and the
Association for the Republic-Czechoslovak Republican Party (SPR-CRS).
The Left Blok opposition teeters in the balance.
Two of the movements are not running in all eight regions. The
Movement for a Self-administered Moravia and Silesia - the Moravain
National Union is only running in northern and southern Moravia. The
Moravian National Party - the Movement of Silesian-Moravian Union is
running in northern and southern Moravia, in southern and eastern
Bohemia and in Prague.
Besides those already mentioned, the Czech Right Wing, the
Czech-Moravian Union of the Center, the Democratic Union, the Pensioners
for Life Security, the Independents, the Right Wing, the Czechoslovak
Communist Party, the Party of the Democratic Left, the Green Party, the
Free Democrats - the Liberal National Socialist Party, and the Movement
for National Citizens' Assets.
Regional election committees are now verifying all ballots to
ensure that they are compatible with the law, making sure, for example,
that all candidates are over the age of 21. Further, all parties and
movements must compile 200,000 crowns for the ballot in every electoral
region. Due to this requirement, party involvement is expected to be
lower.
Zora Kasikova/Andrea Snyder
Klaus Criticizes ODS Coalition Partners
Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus accused coalition partners of taking
advantage of reform shortcomings to improve their positions before
elections. The criticism of the Civic Democratic Alliance (ODA) and the
Christian Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU-CSL) came at
a Civic Democratic Party (ODS) conference in Brno March 31.
Klaus said he is bothered by the fact that they take a neutral
position toward the activities of the government in which they help
rule. He claims not to understand their complaints on putting the brakes
on the dynamic of reform, and he does not care for the comments on
ignoring the constitution, the unneccessary growth of bureaucracy, or
the unfinished privatization. During his speech, he also mentioned that
the mistakes mentioned fall under jurisdiction of the ministries, which
are filled with ODA members.
The ODS election platform was presented at the conference with the
title "Freedom and Prosperity." Chairman of the strongest Czech
political party, Klaus said the platform can be fulfilled to the letter.
Matej Bartosek/Andrea Snyder
What's Up for Voters is Down for Politicians
Voters see markedly different solutions than the ones offered by
political parties, say the results of a poll conducted by the Factum
agency for Czech daily MF DNES in March. For example, nearly 70 per cent
of the people polled disagree with the healthcare program prepared by
Health Minister Jan Strasky of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS).
Healthcare is one of the areas which demands the most changes. The
greatest paradox remains that 65 per cent of those who voted for Prime
Minister Vaclav Klaus disagree with ODS' radical plans for the
healthcare system. Jan Herzman, director of Factum, points out a visible
contradiction: people demand security in their society, but at the same
time want to vote for parties that deem such principles last in their
platforms. He also warns that many voters never read their party's
election platforms. Seventy per cent of the population wants to give
their vote to a party, despite the fact that they do not meet certain
needs. Klaus, chairman of ODS, rejected the results, saying he does not
trust polls.
Factum's statements show that the citizens are beginning to think
in a more radical way. Eighty per cent of those polled said they would
accept a government that would keep order, even at the price of limiting
some of today's freedoms. Rising crime has perhaps brought on the
feeling of danger that could cause eight out of 10 citizens to vote for
a party that supports the death penalty. Seven out of 10 would imprison
those caught possessing drugs. Sociologist Ivan Gabal says Czechs are
forced to think radically because the state is incapable of offering
a positive solution to the crime problem.
Arsen Kocarjan and Klara Schirova/Andrea Snyder
Parliament to Discuss Amending Severance Pay Law
The Czech government unanimously agreed to change the law
concerning severance pay for government functionaries. The problem in
the current law is that even those who leave the same position that they
will then be voted or appointed into again receive severance pay. Prime
Minister Vaclav Klaus for that reason announced the cabinet is giving
Parliament an incentive to amend the law.
Richard Mandelik of the Civic Democratic Party, a member of
Parliament's Budget Committee, has worked up a proposal which would
allow severance pay to be cancelled completely. According to Mandelik,
it would then be replaced with a salary that would continue to be paid
to the government functionary for three months after his departure from
office.
Barbora Spevakova/Andrea Snyder
Citizens Could Pay One-Third of Healthcare from January 1998
The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) proposed that patients should pay
from 18 per cent to 30 per cent of certain healthcare costs, during the
party's March 30-1 conference in Brno. According to the ODS, these costs
should include not only common illnesses but also hospital stays,
ambulance transportation, spa treatments and visits to the dentist.
Treatment of cancer or a heart attack should remain free.
Both major physicians' trade union organizations - the Physicians'
Union Club (LOK) and Trade Union of Health and Social Care - expressed
their disagreement with the proposal. LOK Chairman Dr. David Rath said
ODS "will cut off socially weaker citizens and retirees from healthcare"
through the individual payment system, and will cause a massive
liquidation of healthcare institutions.
If patients will have to cover 30 per cent of health care costs
directly, the currently mandatory health insurance system (today 4.5 per
cent of wages are withheld for insurance) would be eradicated. Citizens
would have to maintain special individual accounts for healthcare costs.
David Vozdecky/Petra Sevcikova
Supreme Court Reverses Babice Verdicts
The Supreme Court Senate in Brno invalidated four verdicts April
2 handed down by the State Court and the Supreme Court in 1951 in the
so-called Babice case. The April 2 decision came about thanks to
a complaint lodged by the minister of justice.
At that time, 16 people were convicted as part of a "terrorist
group" for taking part in the July 2, 1951 shooting of three communist
functionaries in the Babice school. A majority of those convicted were
long ago rehabilitated, except Antonin Mityska, Antonin Plichta and
Vaclav Drbola, who were condemned to death, and Antonin Roupec,
sentenced to life in prison, who died 20 years after being released in
1962.
According to the Supreme Court, the process in the 50's was lacking
in many respects - the accused were not made aware of their rights, all
evidence was compiled by the State Security Service (StB) and the judge
was biased.
Natasa Hajkova/Petra Sevcikova
Report on Migration in the Czech Republic
At the end of last year, 159,207 foreigners lived in the Czech
Republic, three-quarters of which had resident status, according to
a report on the state of migration in the Czech Republic presented by
Interior Minister Jan Ruml to the cabinet March 27. The cabinet has
ordered Ruml to propose a solution because it is not satisfied with the
increase.
In the first months of the year, the number of those trying to
cross the border illegally also increased. According to the report, most
foreign residents are citizens of: Slovakia 40,000, Ukraine 28,000,
Poland 23,000, Vietnam 15,000, the former Yugoslavia 5,000, Germany
6,000, Bulgaria, China, Russia and the USA each at about 4,000.
Isar A.W., Livia Savelkova/Petra Sevcikova
Inspection of the Minister of the Interior with a New Chief.
After three months, the Inspection Office of the Interior Ministry
has a new director (its fifth), the former director of the Czech Office
of Investigation Colonel Dr. Vaclav Picka. His deputy, Colonel Dr. Jan
Kubenka, was named to replace him in his former post. Both moved into
their new positions on the order of the ministry April 1.
The 55-year-old Picka succeeds Vladimir Nechanicky, who was in
October relieved from certain functions because of information leaks
from the report about the police raid on mafia suspects at the Pigeons
(U Holubu) Restaurant. Interior Minister Jan Ruml fired Nechanicky after
Christmas.
Picka graduated from the law school and has worked for the police
since 1967. At first he was researcher, later a detective and
investigator. He served in his foremer post since August 1993.
Kubenka is also a law school graduated. He has worked for the
police since 1972, where he was first a researcher and then an
investigator. He served as Picka's deputy since 1994.
Matej Husek/Petra Sevcikova
Parliament Proposes Narcotics Office
Parliament's Defense and Security Committee advised the government
March 27 to establish a new Narcotics Office, which would be given
executive authority. This would allow the office to give orders to
individual ministries in the fight against drugs.
The office should replace the inter-ministry antidrug commission,
which has no executive authority, and is considered ineffective by many
specialists.
Specialists and some law enforcement officials have called for the
establishment of such an office for four years. Prime Minister Vaclav
Klaus' cabinet and a majority of parliamentary deputies still oppose it.
"We do not want to establish new Offices, there are more then enough of
them now. Individual ministries have a clear responsibility in our
anti-drug policy, and we do not see it as necessary to take it away from
these ministries and gave it to a special office," said Klaus in the
March 28 edition of Czech daily MF DNES.
Matej Husek/Petra Sevcikova
Continuing Legal Education Conference in Prague
America's Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Committee as well
as the majority of State Bar Associations demand their members
participate in the Continuing Legal Education (CLE), regardless of where
they live.
The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, decided to organize the CLE
conferences biannually in Prague, in cooperation with the American Bar
Association. The first CLE conference took place March 15-16. R. G.
Johnston, the Dean of the John Marshall Law School, professors
Bernabe-Riefkohl, Carroll, Votavova, and Seng, the current visiting
scholar at the Law School of Masaryk University in Brno, addressed the
latest developments and changes in American law. One lecture was
dedicated to ethics questions. The CLE conference was open to all
lawyers for the price of 500 USD, and it was simultaneously translated
into Czech.
Olga Huderova/Milan Smid
NEWS IN BRIEF
* The Christian Democratic Party (KDS) was abolished March 31,
according to an approved agreement between ODS and KDS.
* Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus was not injured in his March 31 auto
accident, where his Tatra 613 collided with a Ziguli.
* Minister of Education Ivan Pilip confirmed to the Czech daily Pravo
that newly accepted, as well as current students, will pay the
soon-to-be-introduced tuition at technical colleges.
Olga Huderova, Matej Bartosek/Petra Sevcikova
FROM SLOVAKIA
Hungary Emphatically Rejects Clauses in Treaty with Slovakia
The leader of Hungarian diplomacy announced the sharp rejection of
interpretative clauses to the Hungarian-Slovak Treaty approved March 26
by the Slovak National Assembly (see Carolina 196). Budapest threatened
that Hungary does not have to agree with the exchange of ratified
treaties, because the clauses are in conflict with the treaty's 11th
article, as stated in Czech daily MF DNES.
In these clauses, the National Assembly states that Slovakia never
accepted collective minority rights nor the right to minority autonomy.
This right flows directly from the treaty, which includes the Council of
Europe's Recommendation 1201, allowing for territorial autonomy.
The clauses, as well as approval of the so-called Protection of the
Republic Law and the Language Law were conditions for government
coalition orthodox nationalists, who tied their approval of the treaty
to the above documents.
Marketa Skodova/Katerina Zachovalova
HZDS Forms Regional Political Organs
After approval of the Redistricting Law (see Carolina 196), a new
element arose in the governing Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS)
- regional political organs. The HZDS Republican Presidium
Vice-chairman Gustav Krajci confirmed it to the TASR press agency March
30. According to Krajci, regional political organs will, together with
regional state administration organs, assure the policies in
corresponding regions.
According to HZDS Vice-chairman Augustin Marian Huska, HZDS has
about 40,000 members and its aim is to increase this number in a very
short time to 100,000.
Marketa Skodova/Katerina Zachovalova
ECONOMY
Giant Investment Funds Change into Holding Companies
The Harvard Dividend Fund shocked the finance market when it
changed into a holding company March 27th. Some small investment
companies previously underwent the change, but the Harvard fund is the
first of the five biggest funds. The PPF-First Czech Investment Fund
took the same step March 29.
This way the newly formed holding, or joint-stock companies, will
evade all limitations connected with the Law on Investment Funds and
Investment Companies, e.g. the inability to hold in portfolio more than
20 per cent of any one company's shares, and limitations on prices of
securities trades.
"It is an evolutionary process, that creates the basis for
a healthy economy," Czech daily MF DNES quoted Prime Minister Vaclav
Klaus April 3.
However, a majority of experts do not agree with this step. Legal
limitations exist to reduce the risk for small shareholders who invested
their voucher coupons in the funds. Further, by this step the funds
absolutely divests itself of the state supervision which exists for
investment funds. Other funds will likely set off on the same path.
Karel Bartek/Klara Schirova
SPT Telecom Changes Prices April 1
The price for one telephone impulse rose from 1.90 crowns to 2
crowns April 1, while the monthly lump-sum payments for using an
individual telephone station rose from 70 crowns to 80 crowns.
The length of tariff impulses also changed. One tariff impulse for
every three minutes begun (previously four minutes) is charged on local
calls at peak times, i.e. weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The length of
an impulse changed from eight minutes to six minutes during the slow
traffic. Prices of intercity calls linked by an operator rose about 6
per cent, while the length of an impulse stayed the same.
The changes will not affect poorer costumers, though they will have
to apply for exemptions.
Radim Wolak/Klara Schirova
NEWS IN BRIEF
* Industrial production in the Czech Republic rose by 14.1 per cent
in February.
* The export of arms from the Czech Republic fell 21 per cent last
year in comparison with 1994, cited in the daily Pravo April 2.
* The Jihostroj Velesin Company received a 100 per cent share of the
Jawa company, the most famous Czech motorcycle producer, for 1.4 million
crowns.
Lucie Dvorakova, Olga Huderova\Klara Schirova
Exchange Rates at the Czech National Bank
(valid from April 4)
country currency
------------------------------------------
Australia 1 AUD 21.303
Belgium 100 BEF 89.476
Great Britain 1 GBP 41.536
Denmark 1 DKK 4.761
Finland 1 FIM 5.877
France 1 FRF 5.400
Ireland 1 IEP 42.815
Italy 1000 ITL 17.439
Japan 100 JPY 25.418
Canada 1 CAD 20.056
Luxemburg 100 LUF 89.476
Netherlands 1 NLG 16.445
Norway 1 NOK 4.244
New Zealand 1 NZD 18.562
Portugal 100 PTE 17.852
Austria 1 ATS 2.615
Greece 100 GRD 11.305
Slovakia 100 SKK 90.424
Germany 1 DEM 18.385
Spain 100 ESP 21.949
Sweden 1 SEK 4.099
Switzerland 1 CHF 22.733
USA 1 USD 27.219
ECU 1 XEU 34.212
SDR 1 XDR 39.699
CULTURE
Permanent Guest Conductor for Czech Philharmonic
British conductor Sir Charles Mackerras should receive the honored
function of permanent guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic (CF).
However, he is not a candidate for the chief conductor's job, which has
been unoccupied since Gerd Albrecht left January 30 (see Carolina 188).
Mackerras is well known for his sincere appreciation of Czech
music. He prefers works of Bohuslav Martinu, Josef Suk and above all
Leos Janacek, whose little-known version of Glagol's Mass (Glagolska
mse) he studied with the CF and performed in Prague's Rudolfinum March
21-2. Vaclav Talich, head of the CF between the world wars, taught
Mackerras a liking for Czech music during Mackerras' stay in Bohemia.
His position is simplified by good knowledge of the Czech language.
According to information given to Carolina by Jitka Straubova of
the CF's press department, Czech conductors Jiri Belohlavek and Libor
Pesek will not take the philharmonic's permanent lead. Both have their
own obligations. Pesek is committed to work in the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra and Belohlavek will enter the National Theater as
chief conductor.
Jitka Motejzikova/Jitka Motejzikova
Punkers Green Day in Prague Again
The American punk band Green Day reintroduced itself to Prague's
fans March 26. The California trio filled up Prague's Sport Hall for the
second time in half a year - Green Day played in Prague for the first
time September 11. In the rainy early evening, an audience consisting of
various age groups, in which colored hair-styles were nothing
exceptional, occupied the hall. Green Day appeared on the stage at about
8:30 p.m. after the opening band The Mr. T Experience, and although they
played only 65 minutes, thrilled the fans. The punkers started with two
opening songs from their last album and continued with the most
successful compositions from the three albums released here (The
Kerplunk, Dookie, Insomniac). The concert was filmed by an American TV
company, which is preparing a film about representatives of a new music
movement, a so-called "new wave on the new wave," so Czech fans will be
able to find themselves in the movie.
Adam Kotalik, David Sprincl/Jitka Motejzikova
First Multiplex Cinema in Prague
The first domestic multiplex - a multi-hall cinema with sidelight
services such as fitness centers, casinos and billiard clubs - was
festively opened April 3 in the reconstructed Galaxie Theater on
Prague's South Side (Jizni Mesto). Galaxie is run by Cinema 2005, which
belongs to the Bonton entertianment empire. Bonton director Martin
Kratochvil admitted that the conversion of Galaxie cost 100 million
crowns. This investment begot eight halls with a capacity of more than
1,100 comfortable seats, in which viewers can assess the quality of the
most advanced Dolby Stereo. More than 200 showings per week will take
place in Galaxie.
Also the Space and AB Barrandov companies want to build their own
multiplexes in Prague. Experience from other countries shows the concept
of multiplexes has a much better chance to survive than isolated
cinemas.
Jakub Konecny/Alice Ticha
Prague Institute Offers Educational Courses for Foreigners
The Prague Institute for Further Education offers visitors from
abroad two-month educational courses in the field of art. This
institution is a part of the international Prague College of Studies in
Art and Architecture, which guarantees a university education for
members of the English-speaking community in Prague and other
foreigners.
From April 15 till June 1, the Institute offers interested people
courses on Czech film, Czech composers, Prague, oil painting and fiction
writing.
Klara Schirova/Alice Ticha
SPORT
Quick Goal Brings Slavia to Its Knees
Slavia Praha - Girondis Boreaux 0:1 (0:1)
Soccer players from Prague's Slavia will travel to their return
match of the UEFA Cup semifinal with a one-goal deficit. In the April
2 first match, the players of Girondins Bordeaux suprised the Strahov
stadium audience with an easy-going game full of great ideas, perfect
cooperation of all lines and also great technical kicking.
Slavia's players lacked the suspended Penicka and Suchoparek and
they were reminded of this fact very soon. After a fast break, Dugarry
booted in a goal in the ninth minute. It was a shock for Slavia, who was
not able to get over it.
In the second half Slavia forced its opponent onto the defensive,
which meant only a series of corner kicks. The best chance was had by
Poborsky in the 77th minute, even he though did not break down the
goalie Huard.
David Sprincl/Katerina Zachovalova
Soccer League: Sparta Defeated in Liberec Once Again
As far as the history of the Czech soccer league goes, Sparta has
never won in Liberec. Sparta lost once again 0-1 March 31, when the
winning goal was scored by the unhappy Sparta player Plachy into his own
goal three minutes before the end of match.
Results of the 22nd round: Drnovice - Budejovice 2-0, Liberec
- Sparta 0-1, Ostrava - Uherske Hradiste 2-1, Olomouc - Cheb 3-1, Hradec
Kralove - Plzen 0-0, Zlin - Viktoria Zizkov 0-1, Boby Brno - Opava 1-1
Slavia - Jablonec (postponed)
Make-up from the 16th round: Ostrava - Zizkov 2-2
Make-up from the 18th round: Brno - Olomouc 2-3.
Standings after 22 rounds (6 matches still unplayed): 1. Slavia 43
(-2); 2. Olomouc 40 (-1); 3. Drnovice 39; 4. Sparta 38; 5. Jablonec 38
(-1); 6. Opava 32; 7. Liberec 32 (-1); 8. Plzen 30 (-1); 9. Viktoria
Zizkov 29 (-1); 10. Ceske Budejovice 28 (-1); 11. Cheb 27; 12. Boby Brno
25 (-1); 13.Banik Ostrava 23 (-1); 14. Zlin 16 (-1); 15. Hradec Kralove
16; 16. Uherske Hradiste 13 (-1).
David Sprincl/Milan Smid
WEATHER
The weather really reminded us this week of a typical April: the
clear sky changed suddenly into cloud cover, and snow quickly replaced
rain, after which the sun shone for couple of minutes.
Passionate skiers have the opportunity this year to thoroughly
dedicate themselves to their hobby. There is over one meter/39 inches of
snow in the ski resorts located in the highest mountains (Snezka - 148
cm/five feet, Praded - 110 cm/less than four feet, Lysa Hora - 118
cm/four feet).
During the night between Saturday and Sunday began daylight savings
time in the Czech Republic, which will last this year a month longer
- until October 27.
Michaela Vysoudilova/Katerina Zachovalova
English version edited by Michael Bluhm
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