Social Democrat leader condemns attempted takeover of his party

Social Democrat chairman Bohuslav Sobotka on Monday condemned an attempted “putsch” in his party by several high-ranking Social Democrat officials. In a statement for the press, Mr Sobotka said his party was facing an “unprecedented attack” aimed at changing the balance of power. The Social Democrats finished first in the weekend’s general election but failed to secure sufficient strength to form a left-wing government. On Sunday, several members of the party’s leadership, backed by President Zeman, called on Mr Sobotka to step down, which he refused. Mr Sobotka has also criticized the president for interfering with the party’s internal affairs.