Social Democrats say ANO cancelled cooperation talks

The ANO party has cancelled talks over possible cooperation in a new government with the Social Democrats, according to Social Democrat party chairman Milan Chovanec.

Chovanec said in a statement Thursday that he interpreted the move as an attempt to undercut the party’s demand that ANO leader Andrej Babiš should not be prime minister due to the fact he is facing criminal charges over alleged EU subsidy fraud.

He suggested it also indicated that ANO preferred to a deal with the communists or the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPO).

Babiš responded saying that ANO is waiting for the outcome of the mid-February meeting of the Social Democrats where a new leadership should be chosen.