The main opposition party in the Czech Republic, ANO, has initiated a vote of no confidence in the government over a scandal involving the sale of nearly 500 bitcoin worth $45 million received from convicted criminal Tomas Jirikovsky.
Justice Minister Pavel Blazek resigned after growing criticism over the unclear handling of the deal and the lack of consultation with law enforcement agencies. Blazek denies any wrongdoing but stresses that he is stepping down to protect the government’s reputation ahead of elections in October.
He has been replaced by Eva Decroix, who has promised to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sale of the cryptocurrency and to ensure transparency in the ministry’s actions. Public and political pressure is raising questions about the legitimacy of handling assets obtained from criminal sources.
A vote of no confidence is scheduled for Wednesday, but the government has a parliamentary majority, which reduces the chances of a successful outcome. Nevertheless, the scandal could negatively affect the ruling coalition’s chances in the elections. The opposition is using the issue to accuse the government of corruption and violations of the law.
