Czech MPs debate no-confidence vote over bitcoin scandal as coalition partner backs Fiala

Czech MPs are meeting on Tuesday to debate a no-confidence motion against the government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The opposition ANO party initiated the vote over a scandal involving a billion-crown bitcoin donation to the Justice Ministry from a convicted criminal. The far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party is also backing the motion.

Despite criticism, the government is expected to survive the vote, as it has in previous attempts. To topple the cabinet, at least 101 of the 200 MPs in the lower house would need to support the motion. ANO and Freedom and Direct Democracy have 91 seats combined. The Pirate Party, which has four MPs, may also vote in favor.

Attention has focused on the coalition Mayors and Independents (STAN), some of whose members have voiced sharp criticism of how the Civic Democrats handled the case. However, STAN leader and Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said in Parliament today that his party will not support the motion. He stated that STAN continues to trust Prime Minister Fiala and the cabinet. Rakušan confirmed that Fiala visited the STAN parliamentary group earlier in the day and answered questions from its members.

President Petr Pavel has warned that removing the government could lead to political instability. The debate is likely continue into Wednesday, depending on how long lawmakers speak.