Greens oppose Čunek's return to cabinet

(Updated Dec. 5, 2007) Czech Prime Minister Miroslav Topolánek says he has nothing against the return of Jiří Čunek to his cabinet, despite opposition from the Green Party, according to Tyden.cz. 

“If the Christian Democrats decide that he should return, it will be difficult for me to say no,” Topolánek told reporters. 

The controversial chairman of the Christian Democratic Party (KDU-CSL) has been under police investigation for taking bribes when he was mayor of the Moravian town of Vsetín. The investigation was stopped on Nov. 22.

When it was discovered that Čunek had illegally taken social security payments, even though he had more than 3 million Kč (about $165,000) in the bank, Topolánek asked him to resign from the cabinet and from his post as minister for regional development. 

“Everything has been explained. There is not a single moral reason why I shouldn't return. All of the accusations have turned out to be false and I think I have clearly documented my assets," Čunek said.

The Greens are threatening to leave the government coalition if Čunek returns. Although Green Party chief Martin Bursík conceded that Čunek was cleared of taking bribes, the party still has serious problems with his accepting the social security payments.

“It is up to the public, not the politician, to decide if he is trustworthy," Bursik said. 

Other articles in In the Czech press (28/11/2007):

• Prime minister defends Innsbruck trip
• Extortion a way of life for 20 percent of Czech companies
• Award-winning Czech director finishes film
• American investment fund buys Web portal
• War of the sexes
• "Love nest" hotels on the rise

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