Fiala speaks to his base

PM Petr Fiala told reporters on Sat. that an anti-government demonstration that day on Wenceslas Square in Prague was organized by "forces that espouse a pro-Russian orientation" and that such political forces are trying to take advantage of the situation in Europe today - the fear of the people, concerns about the future and high energy prices. He had just spoken at a number of campaign rallies in Central Bohemia, where he met with "very positive reactions." Fiala's base is still enamored with him, but it is dwindling and might now only be around 5-10% of voters. His justice minister, Pavel Blažek, spoke of the possibility a week ago on CNN Prima News that the CR and other Central European countries could break off from the EU and become available for another superpower. The only one he mentioned in this respect was Russia. If Fiala wants to retain his base and keep the "pro-Russian forces" at bay, he's going to need to start by winning back his justice minister.