The Czech Republic has officially appointed a new justice minister following the resignation of Pavel Blažek, who stepped down amid a scandal involving a bitcoin donation. President Petr Pavel swore in Eva Decroix on Tuesday, marking a significant transition in the country’s legal leadership.
Blažek’s resignation came on May 30, after it was revealed that his ministry accepted a substantial bitcoin donation from an individual previously convicted of operating an online drug market and other criminal activities. This donation was later sold for approximately €40 million earlier in the year. Although Blažek maintained that he was unaware of any illegal actions, he chose to resign to protect the integrity of the four-party coalition government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Calls for investigation and opposition response
Prime Minister Fiala expressed his gratitude for Blažek’s service, affirming his belief that the former minister acted with good intentions. Blažek was known to be a trusted ally within the Conservative Civic Democratic Party, which Fiala leads. In light of the controversy, Decroix has vowed to initiate an independent investigation into the ministry’s activities related to the case. Fiala had previously advocated for a thorough inquiry, which may even involve the Czech secret services.
The scandal is currently being scrutinized by the national police’s organized crime unit. Pavel emphasized that the situation jeopardizes public trust in state institutions, stating, “public trust in the institutions and the state is at stake.”
Political ramifications and upcoming elections
Opposition parties have raised concerns over potential money laundering, questioning the source of the bitcoin donations. They are calling for the resignation of the entire government and are preparing to propose a no-confidence vote in parliament, which may take place later this month. With the government holding 104 out of 200 seats in the lower house, it is anticipated to withstand such a challenge.
As parliamentary elections loom on the horizon, scheduled for early October, the main opposition party, ANO (YES), led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, is currently favored to win according to recent opinion polls. This situation underscores the political turbulence the Czech Republic is navigating as it approaches a crucial electoral period.