Palas struck from candidate list

The leadership of the Social Democratic Party has struck former agriculture minister Jaroslav Palas from its candidate list for the region of Moravia-Silesia, ahead of national elections this year. On Friday, the prime minister called for Mr Palas to recall his candidacy on his own, but he refused. Mr Palas first fell out of favour with the prime minister last year, with Mr Paroubek criticising the former minister's role in what he has called the "disadvantageous" sale of the state's share in the Setuza food-processing company. Mr Palas has dismissed the prime minister's allegation and may appeal the Social Democrats' decision to strike him from the candidate list.