Social Democrats question selection of Miroslava Němcová as short-term lower house chair

The Social Democrats are questioning the selection of first deputy chair Miroslava Němcová to chair the lower house of the Czech Parliament for the one month that remains of its term. The Civic Democrat politician was expected to take the post for that short period, after the Social Democrats said last week that Miloslav Vlček was planning to step down on April 30. However, Právo reported on Tuesday that the Social Democrats are now saying that under a deal made in 2006 they should hold on to the position. The party would like to install Lubomír Zaoralek as speaker, though he said on Tuesday that he was not interested in the post. For her part, Miroslava Němcová says Mr Vlček has already charged her with taking over.

The Social Democrats announced on Thursday that Miloslav Vlček was quitting as chair and withdrawing from next month’s general elections, after his name was linked to alleged financial impropriety.

Author: Ian Willoughby