Občanská demokratická strana jako hlavní „dědic“ OF a „agens“ stranického systému ČR (1991–1998)

This article intends to present a thorough analysis of the development of the Civic Democratic Party from the beginnings of its existence until 1998 – i.e. the year which can be seen as the breaking point in its history. The main proposition is that the Civic Democratic Party has emerged as the representative of the most widespread tendencies and opinions established within Civic Forum and accordingly should be seen as the major expression of initial political visions, which were increasingly predominant in the first months after the regime change in 1989. Consequently, the article elaborates to a much detailed degree further developments within the Civic Democratic Party and its position within the party system – here, the underlying intention is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the behaviour and actions taken by the Civic Democratic Party and its leadership, thus making it possible to explain the logic of its position within the party system and of many particular events, in various ways related to the Civic Democratic Party, throughout the period in question.