Social Democrats vote no to coalition participation

The leadership of the Social Democrats has voted not to take part in a "rainbow" coalition which would lead to early general elections. The party's stance represents a rejection of a plan put forward by President Vaclav Klaus as a way out of the deadlock which has gripped Czech politics since inconclusive elections in June.

The Social Democrats, who came second in the elections, have also reiterated their demand to be given a chance to form a new government, after the failure of the winning Civic Democrats to put together a viable government.

The leaders of the five parties in the lower house are due to meet Mr Klaus on Tuesday. The president has indicated that if they cannot agree on a solution before then, he will choose a new prime minister himself.