Social Democrats preparing coalition proposal

The Social Democrats, leading talks on forming a new government, say they will present potential partners ANO 2011 and the Christian Democrats with a coalition proposal within several days. Party chairman Bohuslav Sobotka made clear that the parties would then assess the contents, before meeting to discuss or iron out concrete details. He also said that the parties should agree on candidates for the post of speaker of the lower house and the deputy speakers. At the weekend, the Social Democrats and ANO 2011 reportedly made progress on issues including taxes, which had been a sticking point.