When the righteous reign the people are happy, but when the unrighteous are in power, the people suffer

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced, in one of the most graceless political exit speeches I have read, he will not be a candidate in his party’s upcoming primaries slated for September 17, 2008. Olmert’s personal approval rating has been hovering in the single digit figures for a considerable length of time and I have lost count of the various corruption investigations into his conduct after the first 5 files were opened. No doubt Israelis and Jews everywhere have breathed a deep sigh of relief but potentially there is no quick relief from the Olmert malaise which his presence brings at helm of the state. The Jerusalem Post reports this tidbit:

The winner in the Kadima primary will have until October 26 to submit his new government for approval by President Shimon Peres. In case the elected leader fails, the president customarily grants another 90 days to form a government; after the 90 days are through, in case no coalition is formed, a general election is scheduled, thus potentially allowing Olmert to remain in power until March 2009.

After the primary Olmert will remain in office as prime minister of a transitional government, until his successor in Kadima manages to forge a new coalition or until general elections are held.

Olmert characterized his nation as a country of ‘grumblers’ today. Just add me to the list.