First coalition deal emerges in Plzeň

The ANO party, the Mayors and Independents and the Pirate Party have agreed to form a coalition government in the west Bohemian town of Plzeň, by-passing the winner in the municipality, SPOLU. The deal, concluded just hours after the election on Saturday night, was made possible thanks to support from  two councilors who ran for the Freedom and Direct Democracy party. The SPOLU coalition, which narrowly defeated ANO, has ended up in the opposition, as has the Movement for Plzeň. Both SPOLU and ANO have 15 councilors, while the Pirates and Mayors and Independents have four each; 24 votes are needed for a majority in the council.