Christian Democratic Party endorses embattled leader in secret ballot

The Christian Democratic Party leadership has endorsed Marian Jurečka in a secret ballot as party chair and labour minister, taking into account his performance in office. The labour minister, who is under fire for holding a Christmas party at the ministry on the night of the tragic shooting at the Prague Faculty of Arts, received backing from 25 out of 30 party representatives. Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Tuesday also threw his weight behind Mr. Jurečka, saying he had made an error in judgment, apologized for it and with that he considered the matter closed.