Minority government fails to get backing in lower house

MPs from ANO, the Social Democrats, Freedom and Democracy and the Communist Party passed a motion in the lower house Tuesday not to vote on the lifting of immunity for Prime Minister Andrej Babiš of ANO and his senior party colleague Jaroslav Faltýnek so they can face charges in connection with the Stork’s Nest affair.

Former interior minister Milan Chovanec told the media the Social Democrats first wanted to resolve Tuesday’s vote of confidence which the minority government of ANO ministers and experts failed. The minority government received no support from any other party in the chamber and could therefore only count on 78 votes – well short of the minimum 101 needed. 117 MPs voted against.

The government is to tender its resignation; President Miloš Zeman has long telegraphed that he will give ANO leader Andrej Babiš, as the leader of election winners ANO, a second chance at forming a viable government. Mr Babiš signalled earlier he preferred a minority cabinet while the president has pushed for him to form a broader coalition to secure a majority.

Author: Jan Velinger