Vlastimil Tlustý gets debate on church restitutions postponed

Civic Democratic Party rebel Vlastimil Tlustý and two of his supporters in the ruling party on Tuesday joined forces with the opposition managing to postpone a Parliament debate on a controversial bill on church restitutions. The government-proposed bill envisages the state paying churches 270 billion crowns over the next 60 years as compensation for property confiscated by the communist regime. Mr. Tlustý agrees with the opposition that this sum is too generous and wants the compensation package revised. Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek said on Monday he no longer considered Mr. Tlustý a member of his party.