News
Civic Democrats want to form minority cabinet
The Civic Democratic Party, which won the largest share of the votes in June's general elections, says a minority cabinet with a restricted agenda which would prepare the country for early elections in 2007 is the best way out of the current political stalemate. The Civic Democrats are seeking support for such a cabinet from both the Green Party and the Christian Democrats. Negotiations with the Social Democrats look uncertain. Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek has put an embargo on talks with the Civic Democrats until the confidence vote in Parliament, saying his party members would not so much as respond to a phone call from the rival party. Prime Minister designate Mirek Topolanek has until the end of this week to produce a new cabinet and if it is appointed by the president he must ask Parliament for a vote of confidence within 30 days.
Christian Democrats will not actively support minority government
Following talks with the Civic Democratic Party on Tuesday, the acting chairman of the Christian Democratic Party Jan Kasal said his party would not actively support a minority Civic Democrat cabinet. Mr. Kasal said that once the new cabinet was unveiled his party would decide whether to vote against it or tolerate it by leaving the chamber during a vote of confidence. There is no question of active support, we are not in favour of early elections, Mr. Kasal told journalists. Former Christian Democrat leader Miroslav Kalousek, who resigned last week after a rank and file rebellion over the prospect of cooperating with the Communists, was not on the negotiating team. Three deputy chairmen resigned in his wake, accepting co-responsibility for a bad decision. The party's negotiating team is now led by the former first deputy chairman Jan Kasal who will serve as acting chairman until the party elects a new leadership at a national conference in December.
Social Democrat leader biding time
Social Democrat leader and outgoing Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek said on Tuesday that he expects to be entrusted with the task of forming a new government in October, since he does not believe that a minority Civic Democrat government can win a confidence vote in the lower house. He said that in the coming weeks his party would go into the opposition, prepare for local and Senate elections and refrain from any negotiations on a future government.
Vuitton may reconsider holding party on Charles Bridge
Louis Vuitton may back out of plans to hold a private party on Prague's famous Charles Bridge after the city council put its foot down about closing the bridge to the public. The news that the bridge would be closed to the public for two days because it had been leased to Louis Vuitton for a private party and fashion event has provoked criticism from all sides. It appears that the mayor of Prague 1 Vladimir Vihan approved the plan without consulting the other city councilors, on the grounds that it would be good publicity for the Czech capital. The mayor of Prague Pavel Bem has now moved to correct the decision, saying that Charles Bridge should not be closed to the public even for an hour and laying down strict conditions under which the fashion event can take place. The city hall has also offered Louis Vuitton alternative locations where it would be far less restricted.
Online server claims US radar could jam tv, radio and phone signals
A Czech online news server claims that the radar which could be built in the Czech Republic within a projected US missile base in central Europe could jam TV, radio and mobile phone signals. Citing a military specialist, the iDnes server writes that the XBR radar is the size of a small space station and would be the only one of its kind in Europe. The specialist suggests that given the country's relatively small size the radar could also prove to be a threat to air transport. Available surveys suggest that most Czechs are opposed to the idea of having a US missile base on Czech territory and politicians are debating the possibility of holding a referendum on the issue, should the US make an official request.
Kulinsky acquitted in two cases, still not out of the woods
A regional court has acquitted Bohumil Kulinsky, former choirmaster of Bambini di Praga, of sexually abusing two teenage choir girls. Kulinsky was acquitted in these two particular cases for lack of evidence. However he has been charged with abusing 47 young girls in all over a period of twenty years. If found guilty, Kulinsky could spend up to 12 years in jail.
State attorney stripped of powers
The Supreme Court has stripped state attorney Iveta Tycova of her powers because of an alcohol problem. Tycova reportedly turned up drunk for court hearings on a number of occasions and was generally unable to cope with her workload. The court's decision is final.
Weather:
The next few days are expected to be partly cloudy with scattered showers and day temperatures between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius.
