Sobotka's answer

In a press briefing on Sunday, Bohuslav Sobotka responded by saying he would not step down, and would pursue the post of prime minister in the next government. He challenged his critics by saying he would not let the Social Democratic Party lose its independence and come under the influence of Citizens’ Rights – Zemanites, the party close to President Miloš Zeman which posted a dismal result in Saturday’s election.

Two factions within the Social Democratic Party have been fighting for control for some time, one of them leaning strongly towards the head-of-state. Miloš Zeman, sources reported, met in secret with deputy leader Michal Hašek and others following the election on Saturday.