RPT-Leftist MP may support rightist Czech govt-report

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PRAGUE (Reuters) - Leftist independent deputy Milos Melcak may support Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek's centre-right government, which needs one deputy to cross the floor to help him win a confidence vote, a newspaper reported on Saturday.

President Vaclav Klaus appointed Topolanek's three-party coalition government earlier this week and it must win a confidence vote on Jan. 19 in the lower house where it holds half of the 200 seats.

Melcak, who left the Social Democrat parliamentary group to sit as an independent last year told Mlada Fronta Dnes daily: "I still haven't decided ... It will depend on whether the government will step back from some of the goals agreed in the coalition government agreement."

He said while he may not vote for the government, he could abstain, which would give the government a chance at winning the vote since it needs a simple majority of votes cast.

Topolanek has formed a cabinet of his right-wing Civic Democrats, the centrist Christian Democrats and the Green Party, in a second attempt to overcome a political crisis crippling the nation since an inconclusive election in June.

It has agreed on a pro-reform platform of tax changes, social spending cuts and health and public budget reforms. Melcak, seen as a strong leftist, has said several times he would like to see the social spending cuts cancelled.

A minority government composed solely of Topolanek's Civic Democrats failed to win a confidence vote in October.

If Topolanek loses the confidence vote, Czech parties must elect a new parliamentary speaker -- a tough task given the even split in the lower house -- who will then appoint another prime minister.

If the next prime minister's cabinet fails in a confidence vote as well, then the president can call early elections.

The Social Democrats have rejected supporting Topolanek's cabinet and have been pushing to be included in a government with the Civic Democrats and Christian Democrats.

Even if Topolanek wins the confidence vote, analysts say the government will be unable to push through reforms of the pension, health, tax and welfare systems the country needs to slash its budget deficit and qualify for membership of the euro.