Czech Social Democrat governor hails cooperation with KSCM

The model of the CSSD's one-party regional government tolerated by the KSCM has proved efficient in central Bohemia, Rath told journalists.

It is a more honest solution than a possible grand coalition with the Civic Democrats (ODS), Rath said.

"In any case, I view our model as a far more honest and fair than the grand coalition. I personally think that the grand coalition would be betrayal of our voters," Rath said.

However, he added that he was opposed to the KSCM's direct participation in the government.

"I would not allow the Communist Party to participate in the government at the current stage of Czech society development. No one knows what will happen in ten years because developments and voters' moods could be different. At present, it is possible to speculate about it, but it is absolutely clear [that the participation with the Communists on the government level is out of question,]" Rath said.

He pointed out that the CSSD was bound by the 1995 Bohumin resolution that bans the Social Democrats from cooperation with the Communists on the government level.

However, the Social Democrats, who scored a landslide victory in last year's regional elections, have formed coalitions with the Communists in some regions.

"The Social Democrats' position approved at the Bohumin congress is unchanged as is my personal position. I firmly believe the Communists should not have their ministers in the government and as they should not have the posts of assemblymen or deputy governors," Rath said.

He said the model the CSSD had applied in central Bohemia where there is a one-colour CSSD regional government which rules with the support of the KSCM had not been criticised by any of his party colleagues and that he personally was satisfied with it.

It could be introduced on the national level in the event of a similar election success, Rath said.

"I would not consider other models, for instance, a coalition, realistic," Rath said.

Autor: ČTK
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