Public Affairs not to field candidates in election

The Public Affairs party will not field candidates in next month’s general election. Some of its MPs, such as de facto leader Vít Bárta, are planning to support the Úsvit, or Dawn, grouping, headed by Senator Tomio Okamura and may stand on its ticket. Mr. Okamura said he had not received any official information regarding such support. Public Affairs were the smallest party in the last coalition government but quit after becoming embroiled in scandal. Some members broke away and remained in government under the name LIDEM; they are also not taking part in the election.