- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Czech President, Ruling Coalition Fail to Mend Rift Over Finance Minister

© AP Photo / Petr David JosekCzech Republic's President Milos Zeman (File)
Czech Republic's President Milos Zeman (File) - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Czech President Milos Zeman and the ruling coalition failed to reach common ground on Wednesday over the fate of the finance minister suspected of graft-related crimes, local media reported.

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka meets with President Milos Zeman at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic May 4, 2017 - Sputnik International
Czech President Opposes Early Elections After Cabinet Resignation
PRAGUE (Sputnik) — A rift between Zeman and Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka deepened last week after the coalition government asked the president to remove Finance Minister Andrej Babis, a billionaire businessman suspected of tax dodging. Zeman refused, saying this was against the deal that created the coalition.

On Wednesday, the president held talks with the leaders of the three parties that make up the coalition in the city of Liberec, in an attempt to end the political standoff. The leaders said they wanted to stay in power until the October election.

"The president suggested calling a snap election to end the crisis, which was rejected by other negotiators. The second option on the table is the government’s resignation," anti-establishment ANO party leader Andrej Babis said after the talks, as quoted by the Czech Television.

Some 20,000 people gathered in central Prague late Wednesday to protest against the president’s decision not to dismiss the finance chief. Similar rallies were held in five other Czech cities, with protesters shouting slogans reminiscent of the 1989 anti-Communist demonstrations.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала