Direct presidential vote may get Klaus reelected

Praha - The coalition leaders agreed Wednesday to draft a bill on direct presidential voting this summer. It was the Green Party that first provoked the debate on the popular vote. They presented their version of the bill last week, which suggests a referendum on popular vote to be held. The government, however, failed to talk Friday about the draft and on Wednesday they took a rather neutral stand on the issue. Besides, PM Mirek Topolánek (Civic Democrats) is known for his dislike of the popular vote. "We have agreed that the Greens´ proposal would be discussed and the cabinet is expected to take a neutral stand. That means we cannot expect any significant support, nor refusal," stated Greens´ vice-chairwoman Dana Kuchtová. The chances of the Greens´ draft being accepted are very slim though. Civic Democrats and Christian... [read full story]