Czech Republic: Nemcova Nominated As Prime Minister

The so-far Czech ruling party ODS has sent Chairwoman of Chamber of Deputies Miroslava Nemcova to enter the competition for the post as Prime Minister, ODS acting leader and Transport Minister Martin Kuba told journalists after a meeting of the party board today.

The party presidium has decided for the 60-year-old politician. Nemcova announced that in difficult times like these, it was important to assume responsibility and return something to the people. Her party colleague Necas stepped back after a bribery scandal leaked out and caused uproar in the country.

Several names were mentioned as strong favourites, primarily Industry and Trade Minister Kuba, who had indicated strong interest. However, Foreign Minister and TOP 09 leader Karel Schwarzenberg, speaking on Czech Radio, made clear that for some of his party members the Industry and Trade Minister would not be a choice they would appreciate. An earlier favourite, former Justice Minister Jiri Pospisil is reportedly no longer ‘in the running’, presumably after he backed Kuba.

ODS has already informed TOP 09 leader Schwarzenberg and LIDEM leader Karolina Peake about her nomination. ODS, TOP 09 and LIDEM will form the outgoing government which intends to continue work until the general elections in 2014. TOP 09 and LIDEM announced their approval for Nemcova running for the post.

President Milos Zeman is going to lead talks with representatives of all parties for several days starting on Friday about a possible forming of government or the option of new elections.