Prague 2 mayor resigns after accusations of abuse of power

The Civic Democrat mayor of the Prague 2 district Jiří Paluska resigned Wednesday following accusations that he had abused his power while in office. Specifically, the mayor faced accusations that he personally benefitted from a questionable rental arrangement and subsequent reconstruction tender by the district, with Paluska’s son living in an apartment that had officially been designated to be reconstructed, partially at public expense. Transparency International filed a complaint against Prague 2 arguing that the scenario presented by the district – of reconstruction and rental of a property on Dittrichova road – never actually took place and also claimed to possess documentation proving that the mayor’s son was occupying part of the property in question. Deputy mayor Václav Vondrášek has now taken over Paluska’s post.

Author: Dominik Jůn