Civic Democrat cabinet approves governing program proposal

The Civic Democrat cabinet led by Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has approved its government policy statement ahead of a confidence vote which takes place on Tuesday next week. Cabinet members say that the proposal is based on an earlier concept discussed during post-election talks. The prime minister has said that he will seek the support of all parties in the lower house, with the exception of the Communists. He is planning to meet with MPs from parliamentary clubs of the Social and Christian Democrats, and the Greens before the October 3rd vote. Thus far, no other party has openly declared support for the minority cabinet. Mr Topolanek's policy statement commits his cabinet to governing only until June 2007 - opting for early elections.