Czech Presidential Elections: Czechs opt for continuity of Havel era.

Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, has welcomed the results of the first round of the Czech Presidential elections. Karel Schwarzenberg, a long-term human rights campaigner, former Chancellor under the late Vaclav Havel and current Foreign Minister received 23% of the votes and has reached the second round, in second place out of all 9 candidates. The second round of presidential elections is in two weeks' time.

"I congratulate Karel Schwarzenberg and I wish him the best of luck for the second round. Karel Schwarzenberg is known for his firm pro-European and pro-western stances and is a promoter of credible foreign policy of the Czech Republic. Czech voters have shown their support to a man who will continue the legacy of the late Vaclav Havel", said Joseph Daul.

"I also congratulate Zuzana Roithová, Member of the European Parliament, who achieved 5% of the votes with minimal financial support for her campaign. Voters have rightly recognised her hard work and achievements in the European Parliament", concluded the Chairman.