Aktualně: presidential aide admits to discussing 2008 presidential election with Social Democrat lobbyist

The internet news site aktualně has reported that Jiří Weigl, the head of the president’s office, has admitted to lobbying on behalf of President Václav Klaus ahead of last year’s presidential election. He reportedly made the admission when questioned by the state attorney’s office. Last February, Mr Weigl met with influential Social Democrat lobbyist Miroslav Šlouf at Prague’s Savoy hotel; footage of the meeting, captured by a hotel camera, was later leaked to the media (for which the Savoy recently received an 80,000 crown fine). Aktualně reported that Mr Weigl told officials he and Mirsolav Šlouf discussed whether it would be appropriate for a former Klaus rival - former prime minister Miloš Zeman - to publicly back his re-election. Originally, the leaked video footage sparked concerns over shady backroom dealings.

In related news, just this week Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek told Parliament he had proof that last year’s presidential elections were manipulated by people close to the opposition Social Democrats. The matter is to be discussed by the government on Monday.

Author: Jan Velinger