Social Democrats will support Svejnar

The opposition Social Democrats say they will support Czech-American economist Jan Svejnar in the February presidential elections. The 55-year-old professor who teaches at Michigan University and served as an advisor to ex-president Vaclav Havel, has emerged as the sole rival of incumbent president, Vaclav Klaus. Mr. Svejnar officially announced his candidacy on Friday. Although Jan Svenjar has also been promised support from the Green Party, Vaclav Klaus remains the favourite in the race having received the backing of the Civic Democrats, the strongest party in Parliament. Mr. Klaus’ fate will most likely be decided by the Christian Democrats who are still divided over their choice. The Communist Party says it wants an independent candidate but is hesitant to support Jan Svejnar.