Czech News Daily

The CSSD, the party that won the elections with the margin of less than 2 %, has a chance to gain at least some important post. The representatives of the ODS, the TOP 09 and the VV, who negotiate about their mutual coalition, have admitted that they might leave the position of the chairman of the Chamber of Deputies to the CSSD. They would thus follow an earlier custom, according to which the Chamber of Deputies is presided by the opposition, which controls the government. CSSD deputy chairman Bohuslav Sobotka might become the chairman of the Chamber.  Source:  Mfd 1

The new coalition government formed by the ODS (Civic Democrats), the TOP 09 (Tradition, Responsibility, Prosperity) and the VV (Public Affairs) may significantly affect the country’s economy. If it is formed by the mentioned parties, the coalition will have an advantage. Whatever it approves it will push through without problems with its 118 deputies; moreover, it will easily overrule any prospective veto. The new government must decide about the finishing of the construction of the Temelin nuclear plant.  Source:  Právo 14

The KSCM (Communists) have gained 26 seats in the elections, the same number as in 2006. However, if the ODS, the TOP 09 and the VV reach an agreement on the formation of a government, the Communists will lose a significant part of their influence. The three parties concur that they will not support the Communist aspirations to posts in the leadership of the Chamber of Deputies. KSCM chairman Vojtech Filip has been deputy chairman of the lower chamber of Parliament since 2002.  Source: LN 2

The ODS lost 800,000 voters and the CSSD 500,000 voters in comparison with the previous Chamber of Deputies elections. This means a slump by CZK 80 mln and CZK 50 mln in the state subsidies for received votes alone. Moreover, the campaign expenses of both parties exceed the sum they will receive from the government.  Source:  LN 6

Most domestic economists and businessmen regard the outcome of the Chamber of Deputies elections as positive. They think that the future government should adopt deeper economic reforms, above all of the pension system, health care and public finances. What is decisive for the economic performance at present is reforms and stabilisation of the public budgets.  Source:  LN 17

The ODS (Civic Democrats) and the TOP 09 (Tradition, Responsibility, Prosperity)  promise that they will try to put the national finances in order without having to increase taxes. On the other hand, the CSSD and the KSCM promote higher taxation of the rich, as usual.  LN 3

If Finance Minister Eduard Janota means his latest budget measures seriously, Justice Minister Daniela Kovarova will have no alternative but to forget about the announced purchase of new cars and possibly even postpone the purchase of so-called tethers (electronic monitors for people under house arrest). The ministry is also supposed to make staff cuts. Ms Kovarova says that both tenders, announced by the Justice Ministry in 2010, are in danger. The ministry planned to spend CZK 2 bln in ten years for the purchase of house arrest tethers; the tender is accompanied by a suspicion that it is tailored to a selected future winner.  Source:  Právo 5

The Czech power giant CEZ is in for changes after the elections. The ODS (Civic Democrats) according to its leader Petr Necas plans to change the currently wide-spread practice of awarding commissions to companies with non-transparent property structure. The CSSD (Social Democrats) plans to definitively abolish the share motivation programme for members of the company’s management. Moreover, there are voices whispering behind the scenes in both parties that the management of CEZ might be changed after the elections.  Source:  HN 2

Czech Railways want to purchase new  but must borrow CZK 11.4 billion to purrchase them.  The railway wants to issue bonds for CZK 7.5 billion and borrow CZK 3.9 billion from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the purchase of trains that will run on its regional lines.  The Ministry of finance is against the idea as last year Czech Railway issued bonds worth CZK 2 billion.  Source:  lidovky.cz

After a long and largely negative election campaign, the Social democrats want to end on a positive wave.  On Thursday the party will be distributing 100 000 doughnuts in front of factories across the country.  The purpose is apparently to remind people the importance of voting.  The party will also hand out roses and campaign literature.  Source:  novinky.cz