President Klaus is a man who has a track record of keeping people guessing, and his recent statements from the latest “unstoppable train” analogy to the earlier “don’t worry, I won’t [sign the Lisbon Treaty]” have certainly kept us hanging on his every word. Quite frankly, he’s loving it. And knowing that he is personally opposed to the Treaty, and knows by holding out he can stop it, why on Earth would he sign?
People talk of pressure and threats from other European leaders, President Sarkozy is particularly belligerent, but what can they do? As far as I can see the most they can do is demean themselves by being rude in public, or ring him up every day to nag only for his secretary to say that he’s out meeting his fans. The idea of sanctions on the Czech Republic would hardly do the EU’s image any favours in the Czech Republic or elsewhere, would only stiffen resolve, and is probably illegal.
The only reason I can see is fear of damaging the Czech Republic’s image and standing; Klaus is a good patriot and is not likely to do anything he feels would damage his country. But equally he knows that the Lisbon Treaty is wrong, and far more permanent than his national PR. Indeed in many eyes he has raised his and his country’s standing – everyone is watching a country of just 10 million and he has the chance to be an international icon.
The Czech public too back him. According to the recent survey about 65% of Czech Citizens support their President in his resistance against the Lisbon Treaty and 74% of the Czech population do not want Mr Klaus to resign from his office if he does not sign the treaty. A public rally opposing the Treaty is scheduled in Prague for 27th and 28th October. Pressure is building from the public to hold out (people anywhere can join the Facebook group, sign the petition, email President Klaus' office or write a letter - which I urge you to do).
So will he sign? Yesterday I thought so, today I think not. Vaclav Klaus has too much principle and too much to gain by not signing – let us hope anyway…
