PM says American-style campaigning not suited to Czech politics

Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek has criticized what he described as the “pseudo-American” campaign ahead of next week’s presidential elections. Mr. Topolánek said that the style of campaigning introduced by the Czech-American presidential candidate Jan Švejnar was not suited to the Czech political system where the head of state is elected by both houses of Parliament. Mr. Švejnar has been touring the country, meeting people and holding regular press briefings. He also challenged Václav Klaus to a televised debate, which his rival first refused but later agreed to, saying he did not want to appear “a coward”. In the past presidential candidates have merely presented their views to deputies and senators who elect them in a joint session of Parliament.