Topolánek against coalitions of ČSSD, ODS

Ceske Budejovice, Nov 18 (CTK) - The creation of grand
coalitions between the main opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) and the
Civic Democratic Party (ODS) in some regions is another loss of the ODS,
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek (ODS) told journalists Tuesday.

The Social Democrats scored a landslide victory in the October regional
elections.

In some regions, they have formed a coalition with the direct presence of
or tacit support from the Communists.

The grand coalition of the ODS and the CSSD is to be formed in the South
Moravian and South Bohemian regions, while in the Zlin and Olomouc regions
the coalitions of the CSSD, the ODS and the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL)
are to be established.

"I have said that this year, our election results have been 1-2. After the
presidential election [in which ODS candidate President Vaclav Klaus was
re-elected at the beginning of the year], we have lost the regional and
Senate elections. After some coalitions were formed at the cost of our
programme concessions, the score is now 1-3," Topolanek said.

Topolanek said the decision on the arrangement was up to every region, in
which he could not interfere.

However, this will not help the party, Topolanek said.

"I think that if our programme was rather vague for our voters in the
elections to the regions and the Senate, by forming the coalition at the
cost of some concessions, the feeling has deepened," he added.

The ODS has consented to the cancellation of health fees in the health
facilities run by some regions. Cash payment for some health services is a
crucial part of the health reform advocated by the ODS. Critics say it
caused the ODS to lose the two sets of elections.

The agreement of the CSSD and the ODS in the South Moravian region at the
cost of the ODS programme was also criticised by Health Minister Tomas
Julinek (ODS).

Julinek said the agreement was undignified.

Julinek said it had ensued from the coalition agreement that the South
Moravian ODS branch would "contribute to the violation of law, to which the
arbitrary cancellation of fees in regional health facilities amounts," in
exchange for the seats in the regional council.

"We cannot jettison our pride and principles of our policies only for the
sake of a share of power. Besides, the share is doubtful and undignified,"
Julinek said.