ČSSD calls on PM to dismiss transport minister

The Social Democrats want Prime Minister Petr Nečas (Civic Democrats, ODS) to dismiss Transport Minister Vít Bárta (Public Affairs, VV) over having allegedly bribed VV Deputy Chairman Jaroslav Škárka, ČSSD Chairman Bohuslav Sobotka said yesterday.

Prague, April 6 (CTK) - The Czech opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) want Prime Minister Petr Necas (Civic Democrats, ODS) to dismiss Transport Minister Vit Barta (Public Affairs, VV) over having allegedly bribed VV deputy chairman and deputy Jaroslav Skarka, CSSD head Bohsulav Sobotka said yesterday.

He said the suspicions surrounding Barta are so serious and specific that it is unacceptable that he stay in the government, Sobotka said.

He said the government should again ask the Chamber of Deputies for a vote of confidence if the "destruction" of the VV deputy group continues.

Sobotka said the CSSD could also propose a no-confidence motion over the scandal, but added it will still consider its plans.

"A government member who is suspected of having bribed his deputies by means of envelopes with cash should not really stay in government. This is in the interest of any government that is trying, or should at least be trying to maintain elementary trustworthiness among citizens," Sobotka said.

He said the suspicions relating to Barta are more specific than those over which environment minister Pavel Drobil (ODS) left the government last December.

If Necas applies the same standards, Barta should also leave, Sobotka said.

He said Necas cannot pretend as if nothing happened if he wants to maintain at least some political culture in the country.

Drobil left the post over alleged corruption at the State Environment Fund that falls within the Environment Ministry.