Parties edging closer to coalition deal but hurdles remain

The text of an agreement on a coalition between ANO and the Social Democrats supported by the Communists on key votes should be completed this week. The leaders of the three parties should confirm the text on Friday, Czech Television reported on Tuesday.

However, disagreements remain, with ANO against the Social Democrats’ efforts to include a proviso under which ANO chief and acting PM Andrej Babiš would have to step down if found guilty of abusing EU subsidies.

ANO are also unwilling to accede to the Social Democrats’ demands to weaken the position of Freedom and Direct Democracy on lower house committees.