Programmatic objectives of two largest parties

The programs of the Czech Republic's two largest parties, the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and the Social Democratic Party (CSSD), differ significantly in several areas. Both parties emphasize that they want to continue the process of transformation. But each has different ideas about various aspects of the transformation process. The ODS puts much emphasis on completing economic transformation, while the CSSD--while not opposing to further economic transformation (although it wants a slower pace of energy and housing costs deregulation)--puts more emphasis on reforming the legal system, the educational system, and the welfare system.

The ODS calls for a small but efficient state. It is not, however, apparent how exactly the state should become "small" and efficient. Will state bureaucrats be better trained so that there can be fewer of them? Will they be better paid? Will the civil service system be depoliticized? If so, will professional advancement be based strictly on impartial, non-political criteria?

The CSSD talks about depoliticizing the civil service system, but some of its ideas in this area are as vague as those of the ODS. The CSSD is not talking about a small state. It wants the state to play an important role in some areas, such as the health care system or education. In the CSSD's opinion, the government should have its own industrial policy, which would make it possible for the state to help guide and help some companies. The ODS, on the other hand, strictly refuses the state's interference in this area.

The two parties also differ in their view on how quickly the biggest Czech banks should be privatized. The ODS sees the privatization of banks as one of its priorities. The CSSD, on the other hand, does not rule out the privatization of banks, but is in favor of a more cautious approach. It warns that an ill-conceived privatization of major banks could harm the Czech economy as a whole. It also says that prior to privatizing major banks it is necessary to "cultivate" those major industrial companies that are in trouble. Otherwise, the CSSD argues, bank privatization could lead to unnecessary collapses of many such companies.

The two parties differ significantly in their attitudes toward a civil society, decentralization, and the European Union. The ODS is basically opposed to the notion of civil society. It claims that a liberal democracy must be based above all on free individuals. The CSSD, on the other hand, stresses the need for the growth of civil society. It sees civic associations, civic initiatives, and other grass-root activities as an important dimension of democracy.

The CSSD is also in favor of completing the process of decentralizing the country. A constitutional amendment , under which the country will be divided into 14 regions in the year 2,000, has been passed, but a lot of work needs to be done; namely, the parliament has to pass laws defining the powers of the regions as well the electoral system that will be used in electing regional assemblies. The CSSD sees this work as an important task. The ODS on the other hand, says, somewhat passively, that it will comply with "reality."

In general, the ODS says it wants a small state but, at the same time, a highly centralized state. The party is clearly opposed to the devolution of power. The CSSD wants a bigger state but, at the same time, a decentralized state: the party would transfer many responsibilities of the central government to local government and regional institutions.

The two parties differ perhaps most markedly in their attitudes toward the European Union. The CSSD has embraced the EU as is and is ready to comply with its many requirements. At the same time, some of the economic policies proposed by the CSSD, such as measures to protect the Czech domestic market, may be questioned by the EU. The Czech Republic's membership in the EU is, however, one of the CSSD's top priorities and the CSSD would clearly be ready to modify its policies in face of pressure from the EU.

The ODS is far less enthusiastic about the EU. It says that membership in the EU remains one the ODS's objectives, but the party's language concerning this area is rather lukewarm. The ODS identifies with those of Europe's "right-of-center" parties that have a critical attitude toward the EU. The ODS is, for example, opposed to the regionalization of Europe. Instead, it is in favor of the EU based on national states. In general, the party is not happy with the process of the political unification of Europe. It talks about the need to defend Czech national interests and identity.

Although is is not explicitly mentioned, it is obvious that the ODS sees the EU as an entity whose policies are in many ways socialist. The party recognizes that the Czech Republic does not have an alternative to staying outside the EU but is not enthusiastic about joining it. Such a lukewarm attitude could represent a problem in the next few years when Czech politicians will need to win public support for joining the EU.

Reuters - 20. 6. 1998