Social Democrats, Christian Democrats agree to cooperate in some fields before general elections

The leadership of the Social Democrats and Christian Democrats agreed this Wednesday to cooperate in certain areas ahead of early elections this October. Under Mirek Topolanek’s government which fell in March, the Social Democrats were in opposition in the lower house, while the Christian Democrats formed part of the government coalition. This Wednesday, the parties’ leadership agreed to work together in the fields of gambling regulation, healthcare fees and the merger of this country’s health insurers. After the meeting, head of the Social Democrats Jiří Paroubek said he welcomed changes in the Christian Democrats’ leadership which were brought about at the party congress last month. Mr Paroubek added that the Social Democrats were discussing a ‘strategic partnership’ with the Christian Democrats even after this October’s general elections.