PRAGUE: A statue of Karl Marx still greets visitors to the headquarters of the Czech Communist Party but the party’s message ahead of June elections is clear — the ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’ will not come back. Currently lying third in opinion polls with support of about 12 per cent, the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM), is as close to power as it has been since the overthrow of its Soviet-style predecessor in November 1989.

Once considered a pariah for any party to cooperate with, the communists are slowly moving toward the mainstream of politics, ruling out nationalising property while talking about more liberal economic policies that ensure personal freedoms as well as a strong social welfare network.

“We support a pluralistic democracy,” party leader Vojtech Filip told Reuters in an interview.

“We don’t care who is an owner as long as the rights of all owners have the same protection.”

Even views on foreign policy — traditionally one of the biggest differences with mainstream parties — have softened.

The communists are still against Czech membership of their Cold War foe Nato, but no longer mind European Union membership, and say they can accept adoption of the euro currency in 2010 so long as the economy is ready.

The party has changed its logo to red cherries and a white star from the brooding hammer and sickle and red star of one-party rule under communism.

The move to emulate many policies of leftist European parties is paying dividends.

The communists stand a good chance of supporting a minority government led by the leftist Social Democrats of Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek, especially if Filip captures the aimed-for 20 per cent of the vote — slightly more than the party won in 2002.—Reuters