Klaus: lies during election provided breeding ground for threats

Václav Klaus has criticised the behaviour of his opponents during two recent presidential elections. Appearing on a TV debate programme, Mr Klaus accused members of the Social Democrats and Greens – who backed his opponent Jan Švejnar – of lying in speeches they made during the elections, something he described as sad and tragic. He said their statements had provided a breeding ground for the threatening letters received by some lawmakers who supported him. However, Mr Klaus played down suggestions the sending of bullets and gun powder represented Mafia practices; he pointed out that benches had been thrown during the election of T.G. Masaryk in 1920.

The 66-year-old Mr Klaus, one of the most important figures in post-communist Czech politics, was elected for a second five-year term as president on Friday.