Czechs were picking between an elderly prince and an earthy leftist on Friday in the central European country's first direct presidential election. The run-off vote on Friday and Saturday is closely contested between Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, an heir to one of central Europe's wealthiest aristocratic families, and Milos Zeman, a former Social Democrat prime minister, Reuters reported. The winner will replace Vaclav Klaus, a notorious Eurosceptic who steps down in March after his second and final five-year term. Whoever wins will help steer Czechs closer to Europe's mainstream after years of Klaus's sniping at the EU. Czech presidents do not wield much day-to-day power, but the post carries a big symbolic importance. Presidents rule from the former seat of Czech kings, a castle towering above the medieval centre of Prague. They represent the country abroad and appoint prime ministers, central bankers and judges. Zeman supporters share his criticism of the current austerity cabinet, while Schwarzenberg for his voters represents someone above widespread graft in the political class. -- SPA
