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June 2, 2017 www.intellinews.com I Page 8
Czech political crisis leaves populist billionaire confronting potential rainbow coalition
bne IntelliNews
The ruling Czech Social Democratic Par-
ty (CSSD) was the clear loser from the recent coalition crisis, according to a new poll released by CVVM on May 26, while its coalition partner, the centrist and populist Ano party, saw its lead rise to almost 20 points.
The poll suggests Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka failed in his attempt to revive the left- leaning CSSD’s support by insisting Ano leader Andrej Babis be sacked as finance minister due to alleged financial irregularities. Babis, now free to start campaigning ahead of the October elections, continues to appear destined to take over the PM’s chair following the vote. However, the poll also suggests there could be a greater chance following the crisis of a rainbow coalition to defeat the populist billionaire.
The survey conducted by CVVM on behalf of
the Academy of Sciences shows support for CSSD dropped by 2 points to just 14% over the last month. Sobotka initially sought on May 2
to force the resignation of the coalition govern- ment, but was blindsided by an apparent deal between Babis and President Milos Zeman, who said he would accept just the PM’s resignation. Sobotka then withdrew the offer, and fought Ze- man to force him under the constitution to sack Babis. The president finally fired the finance minister on May 24, officially ending the consti- tutional crisis.
While Ano did see its support drop slightly over the last month, according to CVVM, it was only to the tune of 0.5 point, leaving the party’s support at 33%.