Klaus' worst nightmare
Initial election results show that ÈSSD has solidly defeated ODS in
the Czech general elections and, together with the Coalition (KDU-ÈSL
and US-DEU), can form a stable government with 110 of 200 seats in
Parliament. ÈSSD used its momentum built up over the past two weeks
to grab an estimated 72 seats, to 62 for ODS, 38 for the Coalition
and 28 for the Communists. There are three key consequences of this:
First, ÈSSD and the Coalition can easily create a cabinet without
needing the Communists. Second, ODS cannot form a stable government
with the Coalition, because their 100 seats aren't enough. Third, 69%
of voters have voted against Václav Klaus. ÈSSD Chair Vladimír Špidla
said at around 3pm today that if the results are confirmed, he'll
offer to form a coalition with the Coalition. With these words,
Klaus' defeat was complete.
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