Executive committee approves new coalition plan

The Social Democratic Party's executive committee has backed a proposal for a new coalition government led by incoming prime minister Jiri Paroubek. The new cabinet could be named by the president as early as Monday, following the resignation of Prime Minister Stanislav Gross. Recently Mr Gross agreed to step down following months of political pressure - though he has indicated he may not tender his resignation immediately on Monday. Instead he will wait until the new coalition government agreement is formally approved by all three coalition parties. In that light, Mr Paroubek has accepted Tuesday as the likely signing date.

The new government will be made up of the same parties that have ruled since 2002: the Social Democrats, the Christian Democrats, and the Freedom Union.