Czech socialists begin talks to form government

Vaclav Havel, the Czech President, began negotiations on the country's future government yesterday after the centre-left Social Democrats won the parliamentary elections but failed to a gain enough votes to govern alone.

The Social Democrats, led by Vladimir Spidla, won 70 seats in the 200-seat lower chamber of parliament on Saturday, well ahead of the centre-right Civic Democratic Party, which won 58 seats. The Communists finished third with 41, their best result since the Velvet Revolution toppled the country's communist regime in 1989.

Coming in fourth, and last, was the centre-right coalition of the Christian Democrats and the Freedom Union, with 31 seats.

Although this is the first time since the revolution that left-wing parties have gained a majority, Mr Spidla had said he would not work with the Communists. He has suggested that other political deals are possible, or he could form a minority government.

Mr Spidla said he would first consider a deal with the coalition of Christian Democrats and the Freedom Union. Such a union would give the government a majority of only one seat. "If there's a good program and good agreement [among the parties], such a Cabinet can be stable and firm," he said on Czech television.

The Social Democrats share the coalition's eagerness to join the European Union, and are prepared to make sacrifices required for quick membership.

Both have also repeatedly accused the Civic Democrats of the former prime minister Vaclav Klaus of stalling measures intended to meet EU requirements. The country is expected to join the EU in 2004.

Mr Spidla did not rule out the option of forming a minority government should talks with the coalition of the two smaller parties fail. "Should a minority government be formed, it would seek support across the political spectrum."

Mr Havel announced he would meet the heads of all the parties that gained seats in the elections – except the Communists – to discuss the shape of the future Cabinet. Mr Spidla is the first to meet the President.(AP)