Tough Coalition Talks in Store for Czech Republic

Czech President Milos Zeman casting his vote Saturday. Photo by EPA/BGNES

General elections in the Czech Republic have failed to produce a decisive winner, opening the prospects for difficult coalition talks in the days ahead.

Former ruling rightist parties suffered a defeat, pushing Bohuslav Sobotka's Social Democrats (CSSD) to a narrow first at 21%, according to preliminary results.

The second place is a suprise - the new populist ANO party led by businessman Andrej Babis, which got some 19% of the vote.

The Communist Party (KSCM) comes third with some 15%.

This makes it unfeasible for the Social Democrats to form a minority government with the support of the Communists.

CSSD can rely on some 50 and KSCM - on some 33 MP seats in the 200-seat lower house of the Czech Parliament.

Former PM Petr Necas's Civic Democratic Party (ODS) came only fifth with 7.7%, with coalition partner Top09 fourth with 12%.

Parties Dawn of Direct Democracy and the Chirstian and Democratic Union are the two others to make it to parliament, with 6.9% and 6.8%, respectively.

It is believed that the Social Democrats could also seek coalition with ANO.

The first stages of coalition talks are reported to have started right after voting ended Saturday evening.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!