Czech PM prefers early elections to rule in agony - press

Necas said the ODS may gain a new generation of politicians in the opposition, find new energy and redefine programme priorities.

On Tuesday, the ODS leadership did not persuade its six rebellious MPs to support a tax package to which Necas linked a vote of confidence in his coalition government. The talks are to continue today.

As a result, Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek (TOP 09) announced that he would withdraw the 2013 budget bill, which counts with the tax package's implementation, and submit a new budget bill based on valid legislation in 30 days.

The Chamber of Deputies' plenary session is to start discussing possible modifications to the package in the bill's second reading today, too.

The stabilisation package was to increase the budget by 22 billion crowns. The VAT rise, which the ODS rebels still reject, was to bring 13.7 billion crowns.

Necas confirmed that he would be defending his post of ODS chairman at the party´s election congress in two weeks.

"We must dare to openly admit that the ODS brand and its trustworthiness is harmed," Necas told the paper.

Necas admitted his own responsibility for the ODS fall but he noted that the party´s popularity has been falling since 2006. He pointed out that a mere replacement of the ODS leader would not solve the party´s crisis.

Confidence in big political parties has been shrinking minimally since 2009, he told MfD, referring to the ODS and the opposition Social Democrats (CSSD).

Necas has been prime minister and ODS chairman since 2010.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz