The Constitutional Court annulled a set of austerity measures that introduced changes to sickness benefits, child bonuses and social security. Since it did not ascertain whether the content of the law was in accordance with the Constitution, the court annulled it for procedural reasons — and that was not the first time the court had to act as a “third chamber” of Parliament, writes commentator Petr Nováček.

President Václav Klaus has always been a politician with distinct yet — until recently — not extreme opinions. Yet in a remarkable essay for Právo titled “A small Czech Hilsneriad, or another case of the dictatorship of political correctness,” he defends right-wing extremist politician Ladislav Bátora, who was set to become — allegedly upon Prague Castle’s recommendation — first deputy of Education Minister Josef Dobeš (Public Affairs, VV).

One hour before the end of the lower house of Parliament session on Feb. 9, the Communists (KSČM) asked for an adjournment in a move to block discussion on a bill that would officially recognize the anti-communist resistance. Furious squabbles about whether the Mašín brothers were shining heroes, mere opportunists or even assassins were among the reasons why acknowledgement of the “third” resistance movement has been delayed, writes commentator Petr Nováček.