Social Democrats ask for no-confidence vote in centre-right government

The opposition Social Democrats have tabled a proposal for a no-confidence vote in Prime Minister Topolánek’s centre-right government. Lower house chairman Miloslav Vlček said the vote would most likely take place next Wednesday, October 22. The main opposition party has already forced three votes of no-confidence in the government but failed to overturn it each time. Now it is hoping that party infighting within the coalition and a highly publicized corruption scandal involving the ruling Civic Democrats could turn the scales in its favour. The no-confidence vote is to take place after the first round of Senate and regional elections due to be held this weekend.