Havel discusses 2008 presidential elections

Former president Vaclav Havel, speaking on a TV debate programme on Sunday, has suggested parties should get their act together if they wish to field a strong candidate in next year's presidential elections. Anyone vying for the post of president will face current Czech head-of-state Vaclav Klaus, who, polls have repeatedly suggested, remains one of the country's most popular political figures. Mr Klaus announced his intention to seek re-election back in February. Mr Havel suggested on Sunday that a younger candidate than someone of his and Milos Zeman's generation should be fielded, adding it would be "excellent" if a woman ran. He said he thought that the Social Democrats, the Christian Democrats, and the Greens should agree on a joint candidate.

Author: Jan Velinger