South Moravian organisations would like to see Skromach lead Social Democrats

Delegates at district conferences of the Social Democratic Party held in the towns of Hodonin and Breclav in south Moravia, have voted in favour of Labour & Social Affairs Minister Zdenek Skromach's taking over as head of the Social Democrat Party next year. Mr Skromach has already announced plans to challenge Prime Minister Stanislav Gross for the chairmanship at the party's convention in the spring. At the weekend Mr Skromach took part in meetings in both districts, presenting a plan for the Social Democratic Party to return to its left-of-centre roots.

Otherwise, there are indications that most district organisations continue to support Prime Minister Gross. Mr Skromach does have some high-profile backers, namely retired politician and former prime minister Milos Zeman.