Czech daily: PM's aide dealt with Social Democrat to switch support

The Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes has reported that a close aide to the prime minister has been attempting to win over a Social Democrat MP - who recently left his deputies' group - to back a three-party government excluding the Social Democrats. The news comes ahead of what many see as a crucial week in talks. The Saturday edition of Mlada Fronta Dnes writes that the aide, Marek Dalik, claimed he had MP Michal Pohanka in his camp. The news, however, has been denied by Mr Dalik, according to a government spokesman. The Social Democrats' Jiri Paroubek has also reacted, saying he felt that the prime minister should apologise for his aide's words.

As it stands, the Social Democrats are weighing a four-party proposal put forward by Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek this week. They have said they will make public their decision on Monday. But, many are sceptical the party will agree to a deal, given the Social Democrats have opposed early elections in 2008.