President expresses support for minister who quit over corruption allegations

President Klaus has expressed support for Pavel Drobil, who this week resigned as environment minister following allegations of corruption. In an interview for Lidové noviny, Mr Klaus said it was more likely that Mr Drobil’s subordinates had “erred” than the minister himself. Police began an investigation after the head of the State Environmental Fund, Libor Michálek, produced secret recordings purporting to be of Mr Drobil’s chief advisor pressuring him to manipulate state contracts in order to finance Mr Drobil’s political career. That was followed by a tape appearing to show Mr Drobil offering Mr Michálek a promotion, if he destroyed the original evidence. Leaders of the three-party coalition are due to discuss the affair at an emergency meeting, while the opposition Social Democrats have tabled a no-confidence vote.