Topolánek confirms he will run to retain top post
Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek has confirmed his decision to defend his position as Civic Democratic Party leader at the party’s December congress. He revealed the news during a special briefing on Sunday, ending speculation he might give up the post over increasing opposition within his own party. Questions over Mr Topolánek’s political future came to the fore since his party’s poor showing in regional and Senate elections in October. So far, only one other candidate, deputy leader Pavel Bém, has officially announced he will also be running. Mr Bém recently compared his party to a ship drawing water, badly in need of a new “captain”.