Problems of the Right. Problems of the ODS. „Catch-allism“ as a Condition for the Party’s Modernization Cover Image

Problémy pravice, problémy ODS "Catch-allism" je podmínkou modernizace
Problems of the Right. Problems of the ODS. „Catch-allism“ as a Condition for the Party’s Modernization

Author(s): Michal Klíma
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: Czech Republic; political parties; Civic Democratic Party

Summary/Abstract: The article analyzes the reasons for two key defeats of the ODS (Civic Democratic Party) in the elections to the Chamber of Deputies in 1998 and 2002. It is proved that the ODS was not a modern right-wing political party at least up to the 2002 election year. For this reason it did not efficiently cover the wide center-right segment of the political spectrum. Public opinion surveys demonstrated that there was a long-term right-wing orientation and a strong center in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, the ODS did not respond to the demands of the center- right segment by a corresponding offer. The modernization of the ODS presupposes an overall change of its strategy, which would include not only a conception of people’s capitalism but also a whole complex of changes: a more amicable approach to the European Union, to ecological problems, and to social issues. In addition, the party should take a firm stance against non-transparent clientelism and corruption and strengthen pluralism inside the party.

  • Issue Year: XI/2004
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 393-411
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Czech