New Czech government loses confidence voteAugust 8, 2013 - 09:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The new Czech government has lost a confidence vote in parliament Wednesday, Aug 7, making it likely that early elections will be held before the end of the year. Last month, President Milos Zeman appointed a close ally, Jiri Rusnok, as prime minister despite the opposition of the main political parties. Rusnok won over some MPs, but lost Wednesday's vote by 93 to 100. His predecessor Petr Necas resigned in June after a senior aide was charged with bribery and abuse of power. Two former MPs, an ex-minister and the current and former heads of military intelligence were also detained in the largest anti-corruption investigation in the country since the fall of communism. Critics accused Zeman of a power-grab when he made his economic adviser prime minister and swore in a technocratic "government of experts" on July 10. Centre-right parties, which had supported Necas, argued that they had the right to form a government because they held a majority of 101 in the 200-seat lower house of parliament. They proposed the speaker, Miroslava Nemcova, for the premiership. Rusnok managed to win the support of left-leaning parties ahead of the confidence motion, which had to be held within 30 days of the cabinet being sworn in, but still lost after a nine-hour debate. Ahead of the vote, Zeman said he would keep Rusnok in place for several weeks even if he lost. The prime minister said he would resign afterwards, but would continue in a caretaker capacity until a new government was formed or elections were held. "I see the result as a very dignified loss," he said. Under the constitution, the president has a second chance to appoint a prime minister. He could also decline to name a replacement for Rusnok before the next elections, scheduled for early 2014. However, parliament has the power to dissolve itself, which would force early elections. The right-wing TOP 09 party immediately called for dissolution after Wednesday's vote and Social Democrat chairman Bohuslav Sobotka said elections could take place in October. "It doesn't make sense to wait," he told reporters. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |