PRAGUE, DEC 10: Czech President Vaclav Havel fired a vitriolic broadside at his country's departing government on Tuesday, accusing it of ``disgusting'' the population by actions which led to the current political crisis.In a one-hour address before both Houses of Parliament interrupted by coughing which reminded all of his recent bout of pneumonia, the 61-year-old head of state made it clear he was homing in on outgoing Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus and the premier's Civic Democratic Party without directly naming them.

Klaus' reaction came just two hours later in a press conference, where he described Havel's speech as ``confrontational'' and accused the President of ``inflaming the situation rather than calming it down.''

``I consider this speech as a challenge, and am ready to continue the search for a constructive solution of our situation,'' Klaus added.

For Havel, the CDP, member of the coalition government which collapsed over a week ago under accusations it accepted illegal funding, had ``deceived'' and ``worried'' Czechs everywhere.

``Many people were disappointed to see once again men in power who weren't worthy of trust, who put their own interests ahead of the common good,'' said Havel, drawing a parallel with the former communist regime.

As a result, he said, the overwhelming impression was that the Czech Republic was run by corrupt and arrogant politicians and parties who were manipulated by ``shady financial groups''.

But the resignation of the government, forced by a step-down by its two coalition partners, opened the way to erase the errors and create a new society, Havel said.

Havel is currently attempting to piece together a new administration, which he said should be outlined this coming weekend. The delay, which has left the country in political limbo for more than a week now, is due to a leadership challenge in Klaus' party scheduled for Saturday.

Klaus is expected to comfortably hold on to his party post, leaving the question of what role he wants his party to play in Parliament.

Observers say if the CDP -- the country's most popular party -- opts for Opposition, the government will find its task unworkable.

President Havel told Parliament that the country's priorities in the coming months should be clear.

``For the first time, the Czech Republic has a chance to anchor itself solidly in Europe's political zone. This anchor will come from, above all, our future members hip in the European Union as well as NATO,'' he said.He then berated the government for having mishandled the public presentation of this strategy.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.