Newcomer parties make breakthrough in election

New parties TOP 09 and Public Affairs appear to have re-written the Czech political map after strong results. Together they are expected to have just under a third of seats in the lower house and a clear role in forming a future coalition. TOP 09 leader Karel Schwarzenberg said the election result was a rejection of demagogy and extremism. His deputy Miroslav Kalousek, said the result was “phenomenal” for a party that was created only a year ago. Public Affairs leader Radek John said the predicted result was a damning verdict on the Social Democrat leader and on the major parties.