Cabinet meets for first time

The new cabinet met for the first time on Monday afternoon to outline priorities. Earlier, a number of incoming ministers discussed future plans. The new Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Petr Necas has said work on pension reform should begin and that changes should be implemented within the welfare system in order to motivate individuals to actively seek employment. New Minister for Regional Development Petr Gandalovic is planning to change the system of drawing money from EU funds. Mr Gandalovic says the Czech Republic needs to speed up the drawing for the years 2004-2006 or risk having to return money to Brussels.

On Monday, Prime Minister Topolanek confirmed that his government would ask for a vote of confidence on October 4th. Thus far he has shrugged off speculation over the government's chances.