PM Sobotka rejects president’s criticism of Paskov mine rescue plan

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka on Monday rejected President Miloš Zeman’s criticism of the government’s rescue plan for the north Moravian Paskov coal mine. The cabinet is planning to offer some 1.1 billion crowns to the unprofitable mine’s owner, OKD, in order to keep the mine operational until 2016. President Zeman told Czech Radio on Sunday this suggested the government was helplessness. However, the prime minister said his government would not remain passive, and seek ways to help the mine’s employees. The issue has also sparked a dispute within the coalition after the ANO party refused the back the plan.