Civic Democrats hoping to form coalition with Christian Democrats, Greens

The executive council of the Civic Democratic Party unanimously agreed on Friday to begin talks on forming a government with the Christian Democrats and the Greens. A previous attempt to form such a coalition failed as the alliance was one vote short of a majority. The Civic Democrats, who came first in elections in June, say this time they hope to win the support of deputies from other parties.

However, the Christian Democrats could scupper this plan: they say they will not take part in a coalition elected with the support of turn-coat deputies.

Meanwhile, the leftist Social Democrats have issued a call on two rebel MPs to return to the party's deputies group.