Social Democrats chief predicts close result of vote on ANO coalition

Social Democrats chairman Jan Hamáček says that he expects the outcome of an internal party vote on whether to enter a coalition with ANO to be close. Mr. Hamáček – who backs such a coalition – made the comment after a meeting of party representatives in the Moravian Silesian Region on Monday evening.

The party leader said he had a “good feeling” after the gathering. However, he conceded that opinion was evenly split on whether to enter a minority coalition with ANO that would likely be supported on key votes by the Communist Party.

Mr. Hamáček has been trying to drum up backing for the mooted coalition at local branches of the Social Democrats. The internal party ballot began on Monday and will continue until mid-June.