Social Democrats closely follow coalition talks

The problematic talks are being closely followed by the winner of the elections and biggest party in the lower house, the Social Democrats. They are especially interested in whether Public Affairs will be a full member of a coalition or just give its backing in parliament. Public Affairs leader, Radek John, has ruled out coalition talks with the Social Democrats even though he admits on some issues, such as health reform, they have more in common than with right-wing parties. Social Democrat leader Bohuslav Sobotka is sticking by the party’s demand that it is offered a first shot at forming a government by President Václav Klaus. But the head of the president’s political office has indicated that he will might not invite anyone to form a government at this stage and just wait for the first workable government project to be placed