Christian Democrats to discuss Jiri Cunek's position

The Christian Democrat leadership is to meet on Tuesday to discuss the situation around its embattled leader and Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek. Mr. Cunek is accused of corruption and has come under fire for offensive remarks made about the Roma minority. There has been growing pressure on him to resign and his coalition partners have made it clear they would prefer for the decision to come from Mr. Cunek himself or from his own party leadership. Prime Minister Topolanek said last week that dismissing the deputy prime minister was the least desirable option open to him. The Green Party has threatened to leave the coalition government if Mr. Cunek remains in office. The Christian Democratic party leadership has so far refused to force Mr. Cunek's hand. Last week party members left the assembly hall in order not to have to take a clear stand on the issue.