Labour minister taken back by deputy's alleged bribery

Prague, Oct 1 (CTK) - Czech Labour and Social Affairs Minister Jaromir Drabek (TOP 09) is bewildered by the fresh corruption accusation of his first deputy Vladimir Siska, he told journalists before his meeting with PM Petr Necas (Civic Democrats, ODS) on the alleged corruption yesterday.

The anti-corruption police accused Siska and another senior ministerial official, Milan Hojer, of bribery linked to public procurement. If found guilty, the suspects face up to six years in prison.

Necas said earlier yesterday he considers the accusation very serious.

Necas's spokesman Michal Schuster said after the meeting that both Necas and Drabek have merely unverified information from media at present.

Necas will decide on further steps only based on more detailed, verified information, Schuster said.

The opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) called on Drabek to resign over the case. One of the TOP 09 regional branches demanded that Drabek leave the cabinet, too.

Drabek said he is not considering such a step now since he does not have detailed information on the case.

He said he cannot imagine how Siska could have bribed anybody. He added the situation is very difficult for him as he has been closely cooperating with Siska for many years.

Drabek criticised the police for arresting Siska and Hojer at the ministry this morning without giving him any information on the case. He said the arrest was scandalous ten days before the Senate and regional elections.

Anti-corruption police spokesman Jaroslav Ibehej writes on the police website that the accusation is not related to the ministry's order for a new system of welfare benefits distribution that came under criticism earlier this year.

The police have recently launched investigation of alleged breach of trust, insider trading and bribe taking in connection with the introduction of a new IT system for welfare benefits distribution. The criminal complaint was filed by the Anti-Corruption Fund and it points not only to Siska but also Drabek as the suspects.

The CSSD said yesterday it had repeatedly highlighted the problems connected with the dubious administration of the ministerial databases and the risks arising from Siska holding the post, but that Drabek dismissed all criticism.

"He has repeatedly personally vouched for his deputy with whom he had conducted business in the past," CSSD leader Bohuslav Sobotka said about Drabek.