Social Democrats refuse constitutional amendment to allow early elections

The Social Democrats will not support a proposal to dissolve the lower house and allow early elections - a step that would be permitted with a constitutional amendment suggested by Green Party leader, Martin Bursik. Deputy Chairman of the Social Democrats, Bohuslav Sobotka, confirmed his party's position following a Wednesday afternoon meeting between Social Democratic leader Jiri Paroubek, and Green Party leader Martin Bursik. According to Mr. Bursik, the Social Democrats are pushing for the second attempt at government formation to fail, so that they will be charged with the third and final effort. Mr. Sobotka told reporters that the Social Democrats will consider early elections only after the third attempt at government formation is exhausted.