Talks continue on composition of caretaker cabinet

Talks on the composition of Jan Fischer’s caretaker cabinet are back on track, with political leaders saying the prime minister designate has their full support. Representatives of the Civic Democrats, Social Democrats and the Greens have put forward fresh candidates for the ministerial posts that remain to be filled. There is general agreement that the new cabinet line up should be ready by May 8, when president Klaus is expected to appoint the new caretaker government.

Mr. Fischer said the main goal of his administration would be to successfully finish the country’s EU presidency and to draft the 2010 state budget, keeping the budget deficit below 150 billion crowns. He said he would require restraint in all budget chapters and seek a reasonable compromise between the proposals of the current governing coalition and the opposition. The National Economic Council, set up as an advisory body to the Topolánek cabinet, will continue to work for the new prime minister.