Greens join Czech coalition, PM to see president

...more than half a year after an inconclusive election.

Topolanek's rightist Civic Democrats and the Christian Democrats would be the senior partners to the Greens as they look to end a political stalemate in the EU member country that has lasted since June's general election.

Topolanek plans to meet President Vaclav Klaus at 1400 GMT on Thursday, when he is expected to present his cabinet.

But the three parties have just 100 seats in the 200-seat lower house, and will need the support of rebels from the leftist Social Democratic Party to survive a confidence vote required by the constitution once a government is appointed.

"We are satisfied with the choice of ministries (we received), they address our priorities," said Green Party Chairman Martin Bursik.

Bursik would not reveal which ministries his party will head, but the CTK news agency quoted sources as saying the Greens will be in charge of the Environment Ministry, the Education Ministry, and hold a ministry without portfolio. They will also receive one of four deputy prime minister seats.

If the new cabinet survives an initial confidence vote, it will try to push reforms aimed at cutting budget deficits and revamping the pension, social and health care systems.

The country needs to cut its growing budget deficit so that it can adopt the euro currency after 2010.

[PRAGUE/Reuters/Finance.cz]