ODS senator: Proposal to sue Klaus wants to discredit him

Prague, March 3 (CTK) - The constitutional complaint against outgoing President Vaclav Klaus on suspicion of treason, proposed by some senators, wants to discredit Klaus so that he cannot be engaged in politics anymore, Jaroslav Kubera, head of Civic Democrat (ODS) senators' group, said Sunday.

Kubera said in a Prima Family TV discussion programme this is apparent from the fact that the complaint would be lodged only a few days before Klaus's presidential mandate expires.

He said there is no reason to sue Klaus.

Social Democrat (CSSD) senator Jiri Dienstbier, one of the initiators of the complaint, rejected Kubera's view that the proposed complaint aims at discrediting Klaus.

Dienstbier said the real aim is to oppose steps going against the constitution made by another institution, the president.

"The Senate will show it will not tolerate any violation of the constitution. We protect the democratic order in future," he said.

The Senate is to decide on the proposed complaint on Monday.

The proposal has been signed by 28 out of 81 senators.

The senators want to sue Klaus mainly over his recent amnesty but also over his delay of the signature under the Lisbon Treaty and the addendum to the European Social Charter and over other issues.

Klaus's amnesty applies to some serious corruption and financial crime cases, among others.

Dienstbier admitted that it is unfortunate that Klaus is suspected of high treason. This term is not good, it would be much better if the constitution made it possible to sue the president for an alleged constitutional delict.