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Current AffairsTax reform at the centre of interest
Amidst the drawn out government crisis in the Czech Republic, tax reform
has suddenly become the battlefield on which the ailing ruling Social
Democrats and the opposition Civic Democrats are fighting for supporters
and potential voters. Indeed, the embattled Prime Minister Stanislav Gross
wants to link a confidence vote in his Cabinet to a proposed bill on lower
taxes. It's an attempt to show the Social Democrats as the party of fiscal
reform, and put pressure on the party's partners in the rapidly unravelling
coalition to rally again behind them.
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One on OneAlexandr Tomsky - publisher, journalist, politician: Part 2
In yesterday's programme, the journalist and publisher Alexandr Tomsky
recalled his early life and the decades he spent as a rather reluctant
exile in London. Now, in the second part of this One on One special, Mr
Tomsky talks about his return to Prague, his career in politics and why
believes in monarchy. But first he recounts his impressions of former
British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. More
Current AffairsWith Social Democrats weak, Communist Party wielding most influence since 1989
Unlike many Communist parties in the former Eastern Bloc, the Czech
Communists did not "rebrand" themselves as a modern left-wing
party after they fell from power. Subsequently they were ignored by all
the other parties in parliament for many years. But in recent times the
Communists have acquired some legitimacy and - by propping up a weak
Social Democrat government - a hitherto unseen degree of influence. But
how hard-line is the Communist Party? And what do they want from the
Social Democrats? More
Talking PointWill promise to call vote of confidence buy Gross government time?
"At the moment, in the current situation, I do not feel that I am
permitted to leave because we have unfinished work, which I will try to
complete. I think this is a good reason why the government should
continue." Prime Minister Stanislav Gross speaking before parliament
on Friday, ahead of a no confidence vote, which his government narrowly
survived. But on Friday, it was clear that they would only be able to stay
in power in the future with the tacit support of the Communists.
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Current AffairsCzech government crisis sees no sign of abating
The crisis in the Czech government is showing no sign of abating. Prime
Minister Stanislav Gross announced on Sunday evening that his minority
government will seek a vote of confidence in parliament. The decision came
under huge pressure from President Vaclav Klaus. So, what does Mr Gross'
latest announcement mean?
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Current AffairsGovernment survives the vote of no-confidence due to Communists abstention
The Czech Prime Minister, Stanislav Gross, survived a no-confidence vote on
Friday thanks to the tacit support of Communist deputies, who abstained
from voting. The Social Democrats will now lead a minority government, as
the Christian Democrats, a junior party in the governing coalition, left
the government in protest earlier this week. More
Current AffairsCzech government loses majority
The Czech coalition government lost its parliamentary majority on Wednesday
after one of the coalition parties -the Christian Democrats - walked out in
the wake of a row over the Prime Minister's private finances. Their
departure leaves the government of Social Democrats and the Freedom Union
with just 80 seats in the 200 seat lower house. Friday's vote of
no-confidence, initiated by the opposition Civic Democrats, will thus put
the future of the Gross government in the hands of the Communist party.
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Current AffairsCommunists prepare to decide the government's future
With the Czech government crisis coming to a head, all eyes are now on the
Communist Party. Since 1989 something of an "outsider" in Czech
politics, the Communists are now basking in the limelight. They may be the
kingmakers, the party which is expected to tip the scales in Friday's
no-confidence vote in the Gross government.
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Current AffairsSocial Democrats reinforce position of prime minister and shake future of ruling coalition
Czechs celebrated Easter this weekend, but while most Czechs decorated eggs
and baked Easter goodies, over five hundred Social Democrats gathered at
Brno's exhibition centre where they made a decision that could have a
significant bearing on both the party's and the government's future.
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