Social Democrats accused of buying support

Czech Radio’s prime news channel Radiožurnál claims that it has proof the Social Democrats are buying support for their leaders at public debates and election rallies. Radiožurnál said two students had confirmed getting offers of 300 crowns to show vocal support for the Social Democrats and boo opponents at a debate broadcast by Czech Radio in the town of Ustí nad Labem. The Social Democrats have rejected the allegations as pure fabrication and in turn accuse their main rival, the right-wing Civic Democrats of paying people to come and disrupt Social Democrat rallies. President Klaus recently criticized the aggressive tone of campaigning ahead of May’s general elections, urging parties to turn to real issues.