PM to resign on Wednesday

Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek is expected to resign from office on Wednesday, triggering the fall of his minority Civic Democrat government which lost a vote of confidence in the lower house earlier this month. President Klaus has said he would accept the Prime Minister's resignation but would ask his cabinet to remain in office until a new government can be appointed. Talks will then begin anew on the formation of a new Czech government and President Klaus said on Tuesday that he would start talks with the smaller parties first and then work his way to the big players. The president is not expected to appoint a new prime minister designate until after the local and Senate elections which are to be held on October 21st.