The Czech Republic's centre-right government has lost a confidence motion by a single vote, after four MPs crossed the floor to vote with the opposition Social Democrats. The cabinet must now resign, and the President will appoint a new government which holds the confidence of Parliament. Looking at the numbers, that means a combination of Social Democrats, Communists, and the former ODS and Green MPs. Elections will only be held if three attempts to form a government fail.
This is highly embarrassing for the Czech government. Not only do they currently hold the rotating Presidency of the European Union - President Obama was about to pay them a visit. Now he'll be talking to a powerless caretaker - or a left-wing government.
