Prague  - The centre-right government of the Czech Republic survived its third vote of no confidence Wednesday, with 101 parliamentarians backing the government against 98 who voted against in the 200-seat parliament.

In what Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek spoke of as a "recurring drama," the opposition Social Democrats based their initiative on dissatisfaction by the population after the introduction into the health system of fees.

Topolanek's government has been ruling without a majority since January 2007, and is supported by an alliance of the Civic Democrats, the Christian Democrats and the Greens.

The cabinet is able to function by reason of the toleration of two opposition politicians. After withstanding this latest no-confidence vote, the coalition could have its candidate for president, Vaclav Klaus, confirmed for a second term. (dpa)