Prague Civic Democrats support Topolanek for party chairman

The Prague organisation of the Civic Democratic Party has come out in favour of PM-designate Mirek Topolanek remaining party chairman ahead of the weekend party congress. Mr Topolanek has been supported by all regional chapters of the party. He wants to gain a clear mandate for negotiating about an interim government based on the agreement of four non-communist parties. The Prague organisation also proposed Prague Mayor Pavel Bem for first deputy chairman. He will be competing for the post with Petr Necas, the current deputy party chief.