PM: Rath has excellent chance of becoming health minister

Following backing received in a confidence vote by the Czech Doctor's Association on Friday there is good chance the association's President David Rath will be named the country's next health minister. Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek said as much on Saturday, describing Mr Rath's chances as "excellent". The outgoing minister, Milada Emmerova, was sacked earlier in the week over continuing problems in health sector finances. Mr Rath, her possible successor, is 39, and is unaffiliated with any political party. He has said if chosen for the post he will respect Social Democrat policies.