Christian Democrat leader says three MPs to quit party

Christian Democrat leader Cyril Svoboda announced on Sunday that three of its 13 MPs had announced they were leaving the party. Mr Svoboda identified them as former party leader and minister of finance Miroslav Kalousek, Jan Husák and Ladislav Šustr. Mr Kalousek said latter that while he had announced his intention to leave the party he had not yet taken the step. The other two MPs said in a joint statement they could not support the left-wing politics which the party leaders now appeared committed to. Mr Svoboda also announced that former defence minister Vlasta Parkanová warned that her future was not linked to the party. Mr Kalousek has already said he is going to form another party, TOP 09. The Christian Democrats elected Cyril Svoboda as leader last week to lead them out of their current crisis and low public support.

Author: Chris Johnstone