Immediately after the Czech government sidestepped one problem, a new one presented itself. Following Tuesdayās announcement that the junior coalition party LIDEM would not leave the government, the Social Democrats (ÄSSD) declared they wanted to hold a non-confidence vote. ÄSSD party leader, Bohuslav Sobotka, said President VĆ”clav Klausā amnesty declaration, which was signed by Prime Minister Petr NeÄas, is the main reason behind his partyās call for a no-confidence vote.
The amnesty declaration, announced by Klaus on Jan. 1, was followed by the release of thousands of prisoners. Sobotka said he wants to discuss changes to the constitution that would limit the extent and content of amnesties. ÄSSD is demanding that additional security measures, covered by the governmentās financial reserves, be put in place to protect the public for the mass release of prisoners. Meanwhile, ÄSSD suggested the no-confidence vote take place on Jan. 17. But given the current balance of power in Czech parliament, the government is seen as being likely to survive the vote.
