President Klaus tight-lipped on caretaker cabinet line-up

President Klaus who was acquainted with Mr. Fischer’s proposal on Friday has not commented on the situation. Analysts point out that under the Czech Constitution Mr. Klaus is now bound to appoint Mr. Fischer’s cabinet even if it lacks majority support in the lower house. The interim prime minister would then have thirty days in which to ask Parliament for a vote of confidence and he would remain in office even if he did not get it –ruling “in resignation” until the president decided to name a new prime minister designate or until early elections.

The Fisher cabinet was expected to take over on May 8th and lead the country to early elections in October. It is not clear if this unexpected hurdle will delay its appointment.