Czech Rep: Centre-right parties to form new government
Parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic, held last weekend, delivered a decisive victory for the centre-right parties. This paves the way for a reformist government to emerge with Petr Necas, the leader of the centre-right Civic Democrats (ODS) and former labour minister, as its head. Negotiations are under way between Mr Necas’ Civic Democrats and TOP 09 and Public Affairs (VV), the two likely junior partners. Meanwhile, the socialist party (CSSD), despite winning the popular vote with 22% – compared to 20% for the ODS – will move into opposition, along with the Communist party. If sealed, the centre-right cabinet will command a comfortable 118-seat majority in the 200-seat lower chamber of parliament, larger than any previous government in the post-1989 era.