Czech Labour Affairs Minister Drabek resigns over corruption case

Drabek reacted to Siska having been taken into custody.

Drabek said he felt innocent and that he believed Siska, too, would prove his innocence.

After Drabek's resignation, less than one half of the members of the original government team formed after the 2010 elections will remain in the government of Prime Minister Petr Necas (Civic Democratic Party, ODS).

"For me, the court decision is a sufficient reason to do what I was contemplating. As a result, I have decided to resign on October 31," Drabek said.

Drabek said he had chosen the one-month deadline for his resignation in order to pass his office in a consolidated way and to give time to his TOP 09 for the choice of his successor.

Drabek said on Tuesday he would resign if it were proven that Siska had committed a crime.

Drabek has dismissed Siska.

Drabek said today he still did not have much information on the case.

He said he had decided to resign after the court ruled today that Siska should be taken into custody.

The anti-corruption police are investigating Siska and the ministry's IT department head Milan Hojer over bribery in connection with a tender.

The case concerns OKsystem firm. They face up to six years in prison if convicted.

Hojer was sacked, but was not taken into custody.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz