After three weeks of negotiations representatives of the Civic Democrats,
the Christian Democrats, and the Green Party have signed a coalition
agreement. Their agreement entails details of a common program which
focuses on relations with the European Union, international cooperation,
family matters, education, culture, respect for the rule of law, the fight
against corruption, a healthy economy, and comfortable rural and urban
living standards. The division of ministry posts has also been decided,
with the Civic Democrats allotted nine posts, and the Christian Democrats
and Greens three each. Mirek Topolanek, the coalition's proposed prime
minister, says that all ministers will be required to submit a personal
property audit which will be kept in a safe at the office of the
government. Such a move is meant to ensure transparency and prevent
financing scandals that have befallen previous Czech politicians.
Before the official signing, the leader of the Civic Democrats, Mirek
Topolanek, said that the agreement is a compromise for all three
participating parties, and that this coalition deserves a chance to
govern. The three-party coalition occupies 100 seats in the 200 seat
Chamber of Deputies, and it will need the support of at least one Social
Democrat or Communist Party member in order to pass a vote of confidence.