Mar 08 2009
Update to Obama’s visit to Prague
Update to Obama’s visit to Prague
What was only a well informed rumor when I wrote “Obama is coming to Prague” got now confirmed by the government of the United States of America. Michelle and Barack Obama will visit Prague on the 4th and 5th April to meet with Czech officials and with leaders of EU member states. Prague is on the “presidential map” because the Czech Republic holds at the moment, the presidency of the EU.
Image source: official President B. Obama portrait
The goal of this visit is, to quote a White House press release, “to build a stronger partnership between the United States and the EU, one which will enable us to better confront our shared challenges together.” No word so far if that includes also discussions about the planned radar facility in the Czech Republic that is, to put it mildly, not well received by the Czech population. It is felt to be an, unnecessary, revival of cold war tactics against the countries that one day made up the Soviet Union.
There are new rumors in Prague that Obama will deliver a “European speech of the year”, preferably open air and with the castle in the background. Good luck for this, Mr. President, don’t forget April in central Europe can be a bit, let’s say, unpredictable. I personally think that President Obama would also prefer to give a key speech to the European leaders in a different setting than his predecessor George Bush in 2007. Bush made that speech indoors, with the Prague Castle provided via a – wallpaper.
So my guess is that President Obama would prefer a true outdoor setting, like in Berlin where he spoke before the Brandenburg Gate to approximately 100.000 Germans.
As soon as I get my hands on the official program for Barack Obama’s visit to Prague I will post an update here!
It seems that Obama wants to solve all the worlds problems, I don’t know about him yet. I think it is fantastic that we have a black president and a real turning point in American history. When it comes down to it though, no matter who is in power they never seem to get it right. It is a tough job having so much power. I do like Obama, but I guess in time we will all see.