Social Democrat leader backs abolition of coal mining limits

Social Democratic leader Jiří Paroubek said on Monday that he personally backed the abolition of current coal mining limits in the northern Ústi region. Mr Paroubek said the move would be good for local jobs and help guarantee energy security for the country. He added however that his party should take a stand on the issue and suggested it should be put to a regional referendum. Regional referenda are currently not possible though the Social Democrats have tabled a proposal in the lower house that would change that. The issue of whether to allow mining in areas beyond the existing limits is developing into a major issue in the lower house elections due at the end of May. Former Green Party leader Martin Bursík has announced he will stand in the Ústi region against Paroubek, whom he accuses of preparing environmental destruction.