Civic Democrat leader accepts second bid to form government

Civic Democrat leader Mirek Topolanek has accepted a second bid to form a government. On Monday President Klaus announced that he would give the Civic Democrat leader another chance to form a viable government, despite the fact that his first attempt to do so had ended in failure. President Klaus made the announcement after his bid for a four-party "rainbow government" was blocked by the Social Democratic Party.

Mr. Topolanek accepted the offer with some reluctance on Tuesday after receiving the green light from his party leadership. He is to be officially re-appointed prime minister designate on Wednesday. Political analysts believe that his chances of succeeding are slim and that the President's decision is an attempt to bring the country closer to early elections. The Constitution stipulates that early elections can be called after three unsuccessful attempts at forming a government.