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Czech cabinet to quit after losing no confidence vote
Ed Harris25 Mar 2009
The Czech Republic was in disarray today after its government collapsed following its defeat in a vote of no confidence over its handling of the economic crisis.
The centre-Right minority administration, which had looked increasingly rocky, lost the vote by 101-96.
The collapse brings to an abrupt end the government of Mirek Topolánek - and, embarrassingly, a probable end to the republic's presidency of the EU. The European Commission said it was confident the Czech Republic could continue its EU role effectively but Jiri Pehe, a political scientist based in Prague, said: "How can a government which has no support in the country be able to lead the European Union?"
Four rebel MPs voted with the opposition Social Democrats and Communists against the PM. Mr Topolánek said he would step down, but it was not clear how long he would remain in the post. It was the fifth confidence vote he had faced in his third year as PM.
Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek said before the vote that the government could "complete the Czech EU presidency or its substantial part". However, Topolánek - whose cabinet must now resign - has ruled out the idea of a caretaker government until June, when the EU presidency passes to Sweden.
According to the constitution, Czech President Vaclav Klaus must decide who to choose to form a new administration. If three attempts to do so fail, early elections will be called.
Yesterday's no-confidence vote in the lower house followed accusations that one of Mr Topolánek's advisers had attempted to put pressure on its public television channel to drop a programme critical of a former Social Democratic MP who had decided to back the coalition.
It was passed by one vote after four former members of the prime minister's minority coalition, who had become independents, sided with the opposition.
Together they garnered 101 votes in the 200-seat chamber, the minimum required. "The government got what it deserved," Mr Paroubek said after the surprise result.
The vote throws into doubt several foreign policy initiatives. The Czech Republic is in the middle of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty and is in talks with America on placing a radar base on Czech soil. In addition, Barack Obama will visit Prague next week for talks with Czech and European leaders.
After losing the vote, Mr Topolánek said he believed the country's position in Europe would inevitably be weakened. "I believe it can complicate our negotiating power. Partners in Europe have grown used to us negotiating hard," he said.
Reader views (3)
Um, you do all know that Eastern Europe is several times more screwed than we are?
It's a shame the Czechs didn't get rid of their idiot President, too.
- Tom, London, UK, 25/03/2009 13:51
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Dream on UK...
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 25/03/2009 12:18
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If only the UK could do the same - and start repairing the sorry mess Crash has led us into .....
- Marianne, SW France, 25/03/2009 11:50
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