Miroslava Němcová pulls out of primary presidential race

Miroslava Němcová of the Civic Democrats has announced her decision not to run in the party’s primary presidential elections. Mrs Němcova who was seen as a hot favourite for the candidacy, said that as chairman of the lower house she felt a responsibility for the stability of the lower chamber that had won out over her personal aspirations. The primary race will thus most likely be between Senate Chairman Přemysl Sobotka and MEP Evžen Tošenovsky, a former regional governor. The deadline for party nominations is April 22nd and the primary elections should take place by July at the latest. President Klaus’ second term in office is due to expire in March of next year and the next Czech head of state will be elected in a direct vote in late January or early February.