Elections in Czech Republic: conservatives and Socialists running neck-and-neck

Photo: Elections in Czech Republic: conservatives and Socialists running neck-and-neck

The tight race reveals deep divisions in the Czech Republic over whether the nation needs bold reforms or the status quo,  and follows similarly close and bruising elections in Germany, Poland and Italy.

With both sides ruling out a "grand coalition" like the one that eventually prevailed in Germany last year, the winner here will probably be forced to form a weak government with little mandate to carry out its vision.

The center-right Civic Democratic Party of Mirek Topolanek is seeking to oust Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek's Social Democrats, who have been in power for the past eight years, the AP reports.

The conservatives are pushing for major changes like a flat tax and reforms in the EU. But they stand almost no chance of governing alone even if they win the elections for the 200-seat lower chamber of parliament.

Topolanek says he would most likely seek an alliance with the small center-right Christian Democratic Party, now a member of Paroubek's ruling coalition - and has ruled out teaming up with the Socialists.

Paroubek, who promises "stability and prosperity," has kept silent about possible coalition partners. However, he has repeatedly said he could form a minority Social Democratic government and seek support in parliament across the political spectrum. That has provoked fears he could govern with the Communists in a loose alliance.

Under the Social Democrats, the economy has grown steadily and growth peaked at around 6 percent this year, helping the government to support a strong welfare system.

But that system has been costly, and analysts warn of health care and pension shortfalls and a ballooning budget deficit. That has jeopardized plans to adopt the euro currency in 2010, the AP reports.

AM