Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková (ODS) has signaled her readiness to step down from her position following controversy over a photo showing her with white powder resembling cocaine. The image began circulating on social media over the weekend, initially dismissed by Vaňková as a photo montage. However, during a Monday evening interview with Nova TV, she admitted that the photo may, in fact, be genuine.
Vaňková acknowledged her responsibility as a public figure to set an example and stated that if her colleagues at Brno City Hall deem the photograph or the described situation as a reason for her resignation, she will comply. Nevertheless, she personally sees no grounds to step down.
The incriminating photo depicts Vaňková alongside her party colleague and deputy, Robert Kerndle, with a mobile phone featuring white powder divided into lines. A woman’s hand appears to offer the pair a white roll for snorting.
Initially, both Vaňková and Kerndle vehemently denied any involvement with drugs, dismissing the photo as a political ploy and calling it “disgusting.” However, Vaňková later acknowledged on Nova television that the photo may have been taken two or three years ago.
Vaňková does not recall the specific situation depicted in the photo and hesitates to confirm its authenticity, though she doesn’t rule it out entirely. She emphasized that the events occurred at night, and the photo was subsequently brightened, giving it the appearance of a normal, daytime scene.
She described the circumstances surrounding the photo as taking place at a social event that extended late into the night. While returning from the event, they encountered a group of jovial young people in the city center with whom they engaged in conversation for a short while. Vaňková recalls discussing sculptures in Brno with one of the young men.
The mayor asserted her willingness to assume political responsibility for her behavior.
Regarding the reactions from other political figures, Deputy Mayor René Černý (ANO) stated the need for further discussions and clarification, refraining from immediate comments. Opposition Deputy Monika Lukášová Spilková (Pirates) and Opposition Councillor Matěj Hollan (Žít Brno) had differing opinions on the matter. While Lukášová Spilková expressed surprise at the situation, Hollan suggested that Vaňková should resign for other reasons unrelated to the photo, such as her involvement in major financial decisions affecting the city.
Hollan shared his belief that recreational use of substances like cocaine is widespread in politics and should not be criminalized. He views Vaňková’s acknowledgement of the matter as a courageous and appropriate step, emphasizing the prevalence of such drug use in the political sphere.
