Government deal struck in bid to end Czech political crisis

The stroke of a pen could end a political stalemate dating back nearly seven months in the Czech Republic. That is how long the central European country has been without a stable government after an inconclusive election. But now an agreement has been signed to form a ruling three-party coalition.

The centrist Christian Democrats and the Greens have joined forces with the rightist Civic Democrats of Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek.

Nonetheless, an early return to the ballot box cannot be ruled out. Up until now, President Vaclav Klaus has rejected the premier’s government proposals – asking him to obtain broader support by striking a deal that includes the leftists. What is more, the new formation must win a parliamentary vote of confidence.

Czechs have grown increasingly angry at a crisis sparked when June’s election gave both centre-right and left-wing forces 100 seats each.

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