Klaus, Sobotka meet to discuss presidential election set for next year

President Vaclav Klaus and Senate chairman and fellow Civic Democrat Premysl Sobotka have agreed that the next presidential election should be held as soon as the Czech constitution allows, meaning soon after February 7th, 2008. The president and Senate chairman met on Thursday to discuss the matter, but will also have to meet with the head of the lower house Miloslav Vlcek, of the Social Democratic Party. The election of the president could take place between the 7th of February and 7th of March next year. Mr Klaus is the only official candidate so far, although former foreign minister Jiri Dienstbier has indicated a desire to run. Not long ago the head of the Social Democrats, Jiri Paroubek, said his party was considering Mr Dienstbier's nomination.

Author: Jan Velinger