Paroubek admits possibility of "grand" coalition in case of government collapse

Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek has said that while he does not prefer it as an option he has not ruled out the possibility of trying to form a grand coalition government if the current government falls. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has made clear his government will stake its political future on the passing of its fiscal and social reforms later this year. But his coalition, which won a narrow confidence vote in January, is not ensured a majority in the lower house. Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek said a grand coalition was a "theoretical possibility" but he added such a coalition could be formed only with the aim of leading the country to early elections. Social Democrat deputy chairman Zdenek Skromach has meanwhile indicated he would not be in favour of such a solution.