Leaders of two largest political parties face off in TV debate programme

The leaders of the two strongest political parties in the Czech Republic, Jiří Paroubek and Petr Nečas, faced off in a popular TV debate programme on Sunday, discussing how they would govern and with whom if they head the next ruling coalition following the election. Social Democrat Jiří Paroubek outlined conditions central for his party to take part in any ruling coalition, namely the aim to strike down healthcare fees introduced by the previous government, as well as to reintroduce progressive taxation.

Mr Nečas, who recently took over as his party’s election leader, outlined priorities for the right-of-centre Civic Democrats – the top of which include lowering the country’s debt, fighting against corruption, and focusing on NATO and the EU, he said. During the debate, both leaders traded barbs over whose party had negatively impacted the country.

Author: Jan Velinger