The Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes has reported that a close aide to
the prime minister has been attempting to win over a Social Democrat MP
- who recently left his deputies' group - to back a three-party
government excluding the Social Democrats. The news comes ahead of what
many see as a crucial week in talks. The Saturday edition of Mlada
Fronta Dnes writes that the aide, Marek Dalik, claimed he had MP Michal
Pohanka in his camp. The news, however, has been denied by Mr Dalik,
according to a government spokesman. The Social Democrats' Jiri
Paroubek has also reacted, saying he felt that the prime minister
should apologise for his aide's words.
As it stands, the Social Democrats are weighing a four-party proposal
put forward by Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek this week. They have said
they will make public their decision on Monday. But, many are sceptical
the party will agree to a deal, given the Social Democrats have opposed
early elections in 2008.