Well, I looked it up... Czech politics appears a nice muddle of competing factions; it's a pity we read so little about it here at ET.
Czech legislative election, 2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Due to a complaint filed by independent ex-ČSSD MP Miloš Melčák (he filed because he claims he has the right to sit in parliament for a full term), the election may have to be postponed as the Constitutional Court examines the legality of the law setting the election date.[8] A hearing was set for 10 September 2009; if the court rules at that date against the complaint, elections could be held as planned. In either case, politicians were in agreement that they would change the constitution to simplify the procedure of calling early elections, and using the new provisions, the election would be held at most with a month's delay[9][10] regardless of the court's decision (likely on 6-7 November).[11][12] As the Court ruled the election date invalid, the laws (a constitutional amendment and a law shortening election deadlines) were passed on 11 September as planned.[13] President Klaus signed the laws on 12 September, and parliament planned to dissolve itself on 15 September.[14] Melčák stated, however, that he would likely file another complaint if this plan went ahead.[15] In a surprise move, the ČSSD announced on 15 September that it would not vote in favour of dissolution, as the new law was likely to be challenged by Melčák again and this would again call the legality of the election into question; they now were in favour of elections in mid-2010, at the regularly scheduled date.[16] The ČSSD has 71 seats and needs ten more MPs supporting their position to delay the election, but it was considered likely that they would succeed in blocking the election.[17][18] The KSČM also withdrew their support for early elections, meaning the election will be held in May 2010.[19]
Due to a complaint filed by independent ex-ČSSD MP Miloš Melčák (he filed because he claims he has the right to sit in parliament for a full term), the election may have to be postponed as the Constitutional Court examines the legality of the law setting the election date.[8] A hearing was set for 10 September 2009; if the court rules at that date against the complaint, elections could be held as planned. In either case, politicians were in agreement that they would change the constitution to simplify the procedure of calling early elections, and using the new provisions, the election would be held at most with a month's delay[9][10] regardless of the court's decision (likely on 6-7 November).[11][12]
As the Court ruled the election date invalid, the laws (a constitutional amendment and a law shortening election deadlines) were passed on 11 September as planned.[13] President Klaus signed the laws on 12 September, and parliament planned to dissolve itself on 15 September.[14] Melčák stated, however, that he would likely file another complaint if this plan went ahead.[15]
In a surprise move, the ČSSD announced on 15 September that it would not vote in favour of dissolution, as the new law was likely to be challenged by Melčák again and this would again call the legality of the election into question; they now were in favour of elections in mid-2010, at the regularly scheduled date.[16] The ČSSD has 71 seats and needs ten more MPs supporting their position to delay the election, but it was considered likely that they would succeed in blocking the election.[17][18] The KSČM also withdrew their support for early elections, meaning the election will be held in May 2010.[19]
And despite all this, the ČSSD still polls as the largest party...?
Demonstrating his liberal mores, Topolánek went for a photo shoot for a gay magazine. But the magazine also taped and published the chat he had with the journalists. He was asked what he thinks about gays, to which he responded by telling about the openly gay transport minister that "if he meets strong resistance, he rather avoids conflict". And then added, regarding PM Fischer, "because he is a Jew, he avoids conflict even more -- this has to do with his character"...
Topolánek apologised since, and insisted that he was quoted out of context (how?...). Curiously, Radio Pragie reports only the third controversy on these taped comments, his negative remarks regarding organised church.
News - 21-03-2010 08:39 - Radio Prague
Topolánek angered by publication of off the record comments about the Church Former Czech prime minister Mirek Topolánek has reacted angrily to the publication of off the record comments he made during a photo shoot for a gay magazine. The website blesk.cz posted a video recording from the photo session in which the Civic Democrats chairman says the Church brainwashed its followers and made idiots out of the masses. Mr Topolánek said he resented the fact than an informal interview had been made public, saying he had actually proclaimed strong links to Christianity. He said he had not wished to offend either the contemporary Church or worshippers. The photos were being taken to accompany an interview Mr Topolánek gave to the gay magazine LUI.
Former Czech prime minister Mirek Topolánek has reacted angrily to the publication of off the record comments he made during a photo shoot for a gay magazine. The website blesk.cz posted a video recording from the photo session in which the Civic Democrats chairman says the Church brainwashed its followers and made idiots out of the masses. Mr Topolánek said he resented the fact than an informal interview had been made public, saying he had actually proclaimed strong links to Christianity. He said he had not wished to offend either the contemporary Church or worshippers. The photos were being taken to accompany an interview Mr Topolánek gave to the gay magazine LUI.
At first glance a party who is blocking elections, never mind the circumstances, is not a great look for democracy in my viewpoint, and it can easily be spun like that in media narratives. I hope that hasn't happened much now Topolánek has gloriously grabbed the spotlight of the media all by himself.
Thanks for the update.
Indeed.
Czech Social Democratic Party - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The election at first caused a stalemate since the right-wing parties (with Green Party) and left-wing parties each had 100 seats. The stalemate was broken when two ČSSD deputies, Miloš Melčák and Michal Pohanka abstained during a vote of confidence, allowing a coalition of the Civic Democrats (ODS), the Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL), and the Green Party (SZ) to form a government.
BTW, ET reported last August the previous constitutional court ruling against the new elections decree following Melčák's complaint. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
Czech Social Democrats Keep Upper Hand: Angus Reid Global Monitor
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in the Czech Republic continue to place the opposition Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD) as the most popular political organization, according to a poll by STEM. 28.6 per cent of respondents would vote for the CSSD in this year's legislative ballot. The ruling Civic Democratic Party (ODS) is in second place with 23.2 per cent, followed by the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) with 11.7 per cent, Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09 (TOP 09) with 9.1 per cent, Public Affairs (VV) with 4.7 per cent, the Christian and Democratic Union - Czech People's Party (KDU-CSL) with 4.3 per cent, and the Green Party (SZ) with 2.7 per cent.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in the Czech Republic continue to place the opposition Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD) as the most popular political organization, according to a poll by STEM. 28.6 per cent of respondents would vote for the CSSD in this year's legislative ballot.
The ruling Civic Democratic Party (ODS) is in second place with 23.2 per cent, followed by the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) with 11.7 per cent, Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09 (TOP 09) with 9.1 per cent, Public Affairs (VV) with 4.7 per cent, the Christian and Democratic Union - Czech People's Party (KDU-CSL) with 4.3 per cent, and the Green Party (SZ) with 2.7 per cent.
