Incoming interior minister quits as Plzeň regional governor

The incoming interior minister, Milan Chovanec of the Social Democrats, on Sunday stepped down as governor of the Plzeň region. His successor will be chosen by the regional council which is to convene on Monday. Social Democrat leadership gave governors who were elected MPs in October to either step down or retain their positions but resign as deputies. The measure has been criticized by some prominent party officials, most notably by South Moravia governor and MP Michal Hašek.