Minister: Divisive pardon could lead to Zeman budget cut

The granting of a pardon to a forestry official who worked under the Office of the Presidency could lead the government to cut the budget of Prague Castle, the minister of labour and social affairs, Marian Jurečka, said on a Czech Television debate show on Sunday.

There was widespread condemnation when President Miloš Zeman pardoned Miloš Baláka, who had received a prison term and substantial fine after being found guilty of large-scale fraud.

Without specifying further, Mr. Jurečka said the government aimed to limit the president’s budget in such a way as to prevent Mr. Zeman from having access to large amounts of public money.