Czech PM: Govt collapse will have “no impact” on EU

The Czech Prime Minister says his political downfall will have “no impact” on the country’s presidency of the EU.

His coalition lost a no-confidence motion in parliament on Tuesday.

The government still has three months to serve at the EU’s helm.

The European Commission has dismissed suggestions the Presidency will be taken away.

Topolanek told European Parliament in Strasbourg the Czech Republic would cope.

“ The political situation won’t affect the EU Presidency,” he said. “The sad fact is that the opposition Social Democrats have undermined the Czech Presidency of the EU but I hope it will be still be completed successfully.”

Topolanek says he will step down. He has ruled out the idea of a caretaker government until June, when Sweden takes over the EU presidency.

According to the constitution, Czech President Vaclav Klaus must decide who to choose to form a new administration. If three attempts to do so fail, early elections will be called.

“This has happened and we have dealt with it four times before and I would like to reassure the whole Czech nation that we will resolve it again now,” President Vaclav Klaus said.

It’s a case of “I told you so” from French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who had concerns about passing the reins of the EU to a new member from the east.

Analysts say from now on only more established European capitals will take the Presidency.

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tags: Czech Republic, EU Presidency