Fischer: elections in October or November; both pose risks

Interim Prime Minister Jan Fischer announced Thursday that he believes there are two alternatives for resolving the election crisis. October elections, he said, could be pushed through, however only at the risk of their legitimacy being contested later on. The other option would shift the poll back a month to early November. Political leaders have given a tentative nod to the prospect of November elections. The November date, likely the 6th and 7th of that month, would be established based on a permanent amendment to the constitution. The Social Democratic Party however has made clear it is opposed to November elections and its priority will remain seeing through the original date. The prime minister also emphasised the economic importance of resolving the date of elections as soon as possible, saying that a delay of even one month could pose serious problems for the preparation of a budget for next year.