Incoming interior minister says top policemen could be sacked, pledges reform

Incoming interior minister Radek John said on Sunday that he could sack the country’s top policeman. Mr. John, the head of the Public Affairs party, said that the president of the police presidium, Oldřich Martinů, could be dismissed, adding this would be a logical step. He has said that one of the problems he had with the police was its inability to save money. He added that there were more police per head of population in the Czech Republic than anywhere else in Europe but they were not visible on the street. Mr. John said he would prepare a thorough reform once he arrived in office and this would include changes in personnel. Mr. Martinů has been in the top post for the last three years.

Author: Chris Johnstone