Grebenicek softens previous criticism of Communist Party's approach to Social Democrats

Former head of the Communist Party Miroslav Grebenicek has softened recent criticism in which he indicated his party was "too soft" on the government ruling Social Democrats. Speaking on a Sunday TV debate programme, Mr Grebenicek backtracked on the statement made during the week, saying that was no longer the case. He also praised his successor Vojtech Filip. During the week Mr Grebenick threatened to give up his candidacy to Parliament in upcoming national elections, if the Communist Party did not take a stronger stance on the Social Democrats - completing their 2nd successive term in government.

A number of polls have suggested that if elections were held today the Social Democrats would finish 2nd behind the right-of-centre Civic Democratic Party, with the Communists finishing third.