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Czechs Opposed to Joining Missile Shield
- Many adults in the Czech Republic believe their country should not take part in the ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States, according to a poll by Median published in Mlada fronta Dnes. 83 per cent of respondents oppose the construction of an anti-missile site in Czech territory.
In December 2002, U.S. president George W. Bush announced plans for the development of initial defence capabilities, which include ground-based and sea-based missile interceptors, as well as sensors located in space.
In 2004, the U.S. approached the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland as possible partners in the missile defence system. So far, three Czech military bases—located in North Moravia, Central Bohemia and South Bohemia—have been mentioned as possible locations for the construction of an anti-missile site.
Czech voters renewed the Chamber of Representatives on Jun. 2 and Jun. 3. The final tallies give the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Christian and Democratic Union - Czech People's Party (KDU-CSL) and the Green Party (SZ) 100 seats in the lower house, with the remaining 100 seats going to the Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD) and the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM).
CSSD leader Jiri Paroubek has said the Czech Republic's participation in the missile shield should be settled in a nationwide referendum. Conversely, ODS leader Mirek Topolanek believes the issue should be decided by elected lawmakers.
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the construction of an anti-missile site in Czech territory?
Support | 17% |
Oppose | 83% |
Source: Median / Mlada fronta Dnes
Methodology: Interviews with 354 Czech adults, conducted in mid-July 2006. No margin of error was provided.