Czech Coalition Faces Shake-Up After Pirate Party Exit

The Czech Republic's centre-right government faces a reduced parliamentary majority after the liberal Pirate party opted to leave the coalition. The decision follows the dismissal of its leader as development minister. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky quit the party but will stay in his role, maintaining support for Ukraine.

The Czech centre-right government is bracing for a reduction in its parliamentary majority following the liberal Pirate party's decision to leave the ruling coalition. The departure comes after the dismissal of the Pirate party leader from his role as development minister.

The Pirate party's internal poll showed nearly four-fifths of its members supported leaving Prime Minister Petr Fiala's government. Consequently, two Pirate party ministers are set to resign, although Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky chose to quit the party and retain his position, ensuring continued support for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Fiala stated that the development minister position, previously held by the Pirate party leader, will remain vacant. Further reshuffling will occur, with Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela nominated for a European Commission role. Despite losing four seats, the government maintains a majority in the 200-seat lower house.

(With inputs from agencies.)