Prime Minister in discussions over government mandate

The subject of the joint discussions was the further activities of Jan Fischer's government.

At a press conference after the meeting the Prime Minister said that all those who took part were of the view that the Czech Republic now needs stability above all, that to secure this the government needs a renewal of its mandate and to be given room for serious work in the period that remains.

They spoke with the representatives about programme priorities.

"The government wishes to prepare a programme which is responsible, sober and realistic, which will bring the country together rather than divide it", said Jan Fischer.

The Prime Minister also stated that he is prepared to appear before Parliament with the government's programme priorities.

The chairmen of the parliamentary parties agreed with the Prime Minister that the discussions had been very businesslike. All those present expressed their support for the government.

Mirek Topolánek, ODS Chairman, stated that they had no demands for changes in personnel and takes the view that "the process of approval of the budget will form the vote of confidence in the government". At the press conference Jiří Paroubek said that "an interim government is the only possible alternative, and they will therefore support it".