Bursik admits his Green Party could leave government over Cunek

Deputy Prime Minister and Green Party chairman Martin Bursik has said that his party might leave the coalition government if Regional Development Minister and Christian Democrat leader Jiri Cunek remains in the cabinet. In an interview for Czech Television on Thursday, Mr Bursik said the Green Party would have problems staying in the governing coalition with Jiri Cunek still being a minister. Minister Bursik said he could see no other solution but Mr Cunek's departure from the government.

These developments are likely to put further pressure on Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek, who has been charged with taking a bribe as mayor of the town of Vsetin five years ago, but who has so far refused to resign. Mr Cunek has also been heavily criticised for making offensive remarks about Romanies.

Author: Coilin O'Connor