Missile defence has divided Czech politicians into two opposing camps, and reaction to the news that the US was shelving its European missile shield plan was swift and predictable.

Mirek Topolanek, the former prime minister who negotiated the treaty with the Bush administration, said the announcement was proof that the United States under President Obama had lost interest in Central Europe.

“It puts us in a position that we in Central Europe have known for the last 100 years: we’re not anchored by a strong security partner, a strong ally,” said Mr Topolanek, leader of the centre-right Civic Democrats. “I see that as a threat.”

Civic Democrat MP Jan Vidim, however, went further.

“My first reaction is one of enormous disappointment and disgust at Mr Obama’s cowardice,” Mr Vidim, chairman of the lower house defence committee, told reporters.

Former Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg was more phlegmatic, saying US President Barack Obama’s decision to scrap the European elements of the shield was obviously a gesture towards Moscow and Tehran ahead of talks with Iran in Turkey.

“As gestures go, however, it’s pretty cheap,” added Mr Schwarzenberg.

The news is likely to dominate the headlines for several days, but not much longer. The country is in the midst of a prolonged political crisis; Czech politicians have far more pressing issues to worry about.