(Vatican Radio) Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas resigned on Monday following a massive
espionage and bribery scandal involving his government.
Necas stepped
down after special police detained at least eight influential people, including his
closest aide and the head of his office, Jana Nagyova. She was charged with ordering
a military intelligence agency to spy on three people, including Necas’ estranged
wife, vastly overstepping her authority.
Czech media reported that Necas
and Nagyova have a romantic relationship, but both denied the allegations.
Additionally,
some 150 million koruna ($7.5 million) in cash and tens of kilograms of gold were
discovered in 31 raids in different parts of the country. Prosecutors linked Nagyova
to these findings but did not specify her role.
The eight suspects have now
been charged with abuse of power or corruption.
‘Position Untenable’ Though
he initially refused to step down, Necas told reporters late Sunday he realized his
position had become untenable.
“I have been attentively following the entire
political developments that occurred since Wednesday and I realize my political responsibility,”
he explained. He said he had informed the leadership of his center-right ODS party
that he would step down Monday both as prime minister and as party chairman.
Though
this is one of the largest scandals since Czech independence in 1993, it is no isolated
incident. Other high-level corruption scandals since the fall of Communism in 1989
and eventual break-up of what was Czechoslovakia includes a former defense minister
asking the United States ambassador for a $5-million bribe.
Necas’ resignation
officially ends his three-party coalition government, which was created after the
2010 parliamentary election. However, the politician said he still hopes the cabinet
can stay in power until new elections are held next year.
Yet it remained
unclear whether the Czech president and Parliament would be prepared to continue with
what was already a fragile coalition, plunging the Czech Republic into a period of
political and social instability.