Social democratic party under strain

The Social Democratic Party (CSSD) is showing signs of strain. Two distinct wings of the party are vying for power. One is led by CSSD chairman Milos Zeman, the other by CSSD parliamentary caucus chairman Stanislav Gross. The growing conflict between the two wings became public a few days ago when Gross indicated that he was opposed to Zeman's plans to replace Finance Minister Ivo Svoboda in the post of CSSD deputy chairman with the chairman of the Prague CSSD organization, Karel Splichal.

Gross, who is only 29 years old, represents a new generation of Czech politicians. A skilled negotiator, he has a large following within the party. Although he was in the past often portrayed as Zeman's most formidable rival, he had been, until recently, quite loyal to the CSSD chairman. But Zeman's attempts to oust Svoboda, who belongs to the Gross wing, have prompted Gross to show his political teeth.

Tension between Zeman and Gross began growing in July when Zeman announced the names of his government members. Young politicians, such as Gross and CSSD Deputy Chairman Petra Buzkova, were not on the list of the Zeman's cabinet members. While Buzkova was not offered any government position, Gross claimed he had decided to stay outside the government because he needed more experience and education to become a minister. In the end, both Buzkova and Gross were elected deputy chairmen of the parliament's lower chamber.

Political analysts claim that Gross and Buzkova did not want government posts simply because they had little confidence in the government being put together by Zeman. He was taking over in a very difficult situation, and it is quite possible that both Gross and Buzkova did not want to damage their political fortunes by participating in a government that Zeman described as being on "a suicide mission." Moreover, some of the ministers named by Zeman inspired little confidence.

Since July, some CSSD politicians who are seen as belonging to Gross's wing have been critical of the government and its performance. Tension in the party surfaced when the government unveiled its budget proposal about a month ago. At a joint meeting in September of CSSD government members and CSSD deputies, Gross questioned the government's priorities. Some other CSSD politicians openly said that they did not agree with the size of the budget deficit and the budget structure. Occasional comments in the media suggest that some CSSD politicians do not think highly of the government team put together by Zeman.

Tension within the CSSD has intensified also owing to Zeman's recent announcement that he will retire from politics in four years. His words spurred an internal struggle for power within the party. While it was not immediately clear why Zeman decided to announce his retirement four years in advance, it is now increasingly obvious that he did so because he wants to not only provoke but also control a succession struggle with the CSSD.

Hints have been made by Zeman's associates that Petra Buzkova will be removed from the party leadership at a CSSD congress in the Spring. Suggestions that Splichal would replace Svoboda made it clear that Zeman had decided to ally himself more closely with politicians who support Labor and Social Affairs Minister Vladimir Spidla. Such politicians represent more orthodox, leftist views than pragmatists such as Gross or Buzkova.

It likely that Zeman has allied himself with the more orthodox members of the CSSD mainly because they form the backbone of his government. As the government has been facing criticism over a growing number of its policies, Zeman has probably felt that admitting he named a bad government would politically weaken him.

The parliament's rejection on 14 October of the state budget submitted by the Zeman government is another blow not only to the government but also the Zeman wing. Gross and his followers will undoubtedly keep gaining ground, unless the government rapidly improves its performance. The Spring congress of the CSSD is likely to determine what the profile of the party will be for years to come. Should the Gross wing prevail, changes in the current government's composition can be expected.

Reuters - 16. 10. 1998