Czech Senate: the ODS loses its majority, the shield delayed?
(B2) The second round held this weekend in the Czech Republic confirmed the results of the first round. The ODS - party of President Klaus
- lost its absolute majority in the Senate. It should only have 35 seats (-6); the Christian Democrats (its allies) only have 7 seats left (-4). On the other hand, the social-democratic opposition (CSSD) goes from 13 to 29 seats (+16), the communists have 3 seats. The "open democracy" coalition (KDU which brings together the Greens and Liberals) has only 4 seats left (-3). The Senators Club (SNK which brings together Democrats and Independents) 3 seats (-3). NB: the Senate has 81 seats.
The tidal wave is brutal. To grasp the extent of the change, of the 27 seats to be renewed, the Social Democratic Party (CSSD) won the bulk (23 seats). While the ODS saves only 3 seats in Prague (against 9 previously). The Communists keep his seat put back into play. All the other parties, in particular the two small allied parties of the ODS in power - Christian Democrats and Greens - lose the seats subject to renewal.
Consequence on the shield. Even though a motion of no confidence failed last week (Wednesday), these results are such that they cannot leave intact the government coalition like the post of Prime Minister, Majority Leader, Topolanek. A majority in the Senate can still be formed on this matter. But more difficult. Especially since the majority has only one vote in advance in the lower house. And the fate of the anti-missile shield – which the opposition is hostile to – and which must be voted on by Parliament, could be delayed.
(NGV)