COALITION - The ruling Social Democrats are rejecting the possibility of a "grand coalition" with the senior opposition Civic Democrats after June's general elections. Paroubek said such a partnership would be a "great tragedy." Following Germany's general elections last year, which resulted in a Social Democrats-Christian Democrats coalition, many speculated something similar could work in Prague.

SMOKE - European Union Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said March 6 that the Czech Republic faces sanctions unless it implements EU antismoking legislation and restricts tobacco advertising. The country passed regulation last year that banned lighting up at many public places, but the EU says the law is too lenient.

FUNDING - The Czech Republic is the second-worst country in the EU in terms of spending funding; only Cyprus is worse. From 2004 to 2006 Czechs have used 18 percent of 53 billion Kč given by the EU. Local officials downplay this performance, arguing they have another two years to tap into the funds.

QATAR - Paroubek sent a letter to Justice Minister Pavel Němec Feb. 24 complaining that, months after Prince Hamid bin Abdal Sani was extradited to Qatar for having sex with underage Czech girls, he has still not been brought to justice. Němec came under fire for arranging the extradition, when then Supreme State Attorney Marie Benešová wanted to throw Sani in jail.

KNIFE - A professional knife thrower is facing attempted-murder charges in Ostrava. Karel Waldman, 48, is accused of stabbing 25-year-old Tadeáš Kristen last August following a competition. Kristen survived the alleged attack. In court March 6, Waldman said that Kristen accidentally fell onto his knife.