Coalition deal signed on Monday evening

A coalition agreement paving the way for a centre-right government was signed by the leaders of the Civic Democrat, TOP 09 and Public Affairs parties on Monday evening. Prime minister designate, Petr Nečas of the Civic Democrats, later presented the programme to President Václav Klaus at Prague Castle. Mr. Klaus should appoint a 15-member cabinet on Tuesday morning. The clock will then start ticking for the new government to win a vote of confidence in the lower house of parliament within 30 days. The three parties have 118 seats in the 200 seat lower house.