Prague chapter of Civic Democrats passes motion on Premier’s “insults”

The Prague branch of the ruling Civic Democratic Party has passed a motion calling on Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek to stop his “insulting and unfounded attacks” on their organization. The leaked document also promised unity and support for the prime minister through upcoming elections. Prague’s Civic Democrats were apparently upset following a television interview in which the Prime Minister accused Civic Democrat Prague Mayor Pavel Bém and rebel MP Vlastimil Tlustý of trying to torpedo his cabinet. He had also stated that the unhealthy connections between politics and business are stronger in Prague than elsewhere. This latest move underscores increasing infighting among the Civic Democrats, with some viewing Mayor Pavel Bém as positioning himself to take over the party from Mr Topolánek.