Deputy chairs also elected, Skromach empty-handed - again

On Saturday the Social Democrats also elected a new inner party leadership: among those elected to deputy chairman posts were strong Gross supporters, the Finance Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and the Minister for Regional Development Jiri Pardoubek. Mr Gross' rival for the party leadership, Zdenek Skromach, also contended for a post but came up dry, and is said to now be considering leaving the government altogether. Mr Skromach is the Minister for Labour and Social Affairs. Other changes in ministerial posts may also be ahead: there are indications that if Mr Skromach leaves, Agriculture Minister Jaroslav Palas will also give up his post.

Author: Jan Velinger