More local organisations back Topolánek ahead of leadership battle

Local organisations of the Civic Democrats in Ostrava and Jičínsko have become the latest to give their backing to chairman Mirek Topolánek ahead of a leadership vote at the start of next month. In terms of pledged support from party branches, Mr Topolánek is ahead of the only other candidate to date, Prague mayor Pavel Bém, who enjoys considerable support in the capital.

Prime Minister Topolánek is in favour of the current government with the Christian Democrats and the Greens seeing out its full term. Mr Bém has been critical of the coalition, and there has been speculation he would try to enter some form of power-sharing deal with the opposition Social Democrats.

Author: Ian Willoughby