It Is Topolanek Turn Now

16 August 2006, 15:52 - Politics
Stalemate have been overcome, and Mirek Topolanek, head of opposition Civic Democratic Party (ODS) moves now after Czech leftist Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek formally resigned on Wednesday. The stalemate resulted from an June 2-3 general election, while no party or proposed coalition gained majority to install new government with the support in the Lower Chamber.

This step came after several weeks of »deadlocked« Parliament right and left-wing blocs having 100 deputies. None of them wanted to elect chief of the Lower Chamber coming from the other party. On Monday, Social Democrat Miloslav Vlcek was elected after they promised they allow new government led by Topolanek could get backing from the opposition. However, it is not sure new government really gets the confidence vote.

President Vaclav Klaus accepted Paroubek's resignation on Prague Castle, which means the fall of the government. Klaus will now appoint Topolanek as new Prime Minister, who will have 30 days to form his government and find support for it. It is still now sure what kind of government, either minority or ministers from ODS plus »professional« with the support from CSSD.

Possible coalition with the centrist Christian Democrats and Green Party (who had only 100 seats) now seems to be only a dream.

Some commentators say there could be reached deal on a shorter term for a minority government.