Christian Democrats still backing party leader

The Christian Democratic Party leadership on Tuesday reiterated its backing for party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek who is accused of corruption and is in trouble over recent offensive remarks made to a Czech tabloid newspaper. Last Friday Mr. Cunek suggested that non-Roma wishing to earn state subsidies like the Roma needed to "get a suntan and cause trouble" to get politicians' attention. The comments were immediately denounced by the prime minister and other members of government. President Klaus said on Tuesday they were "completely unacceptable" and appealed to politicians not to accept prejudices held "in no small part by the Czech public". Jiri Cunek has tried to defend himself, arguing that his words were taken out of context and saying that his words were not aimed against Romanies but against politicians. He apologized to any Romanies who felt insulted by them.