Pavel Drobil resigning as environment minister after corruption allegations

Civic Democrat MP Pavel Drobil is to step down as minister of the environment. He announced his resignation following allegations of corruption at the State Environmental Fund, which is run by the Environment Ministry and channels large amounts of EU money. Police have begun an investigation after the agency’s director, Libor Michálek, produced secret recordings purporting to be of Mr Drobil’s chief advisor and his own deputy pressuring him to manipulate state contracts in order to finance Mr Drobil’s political career. At a joint news conference with Mr Drobil on Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Petr Nečas said he was convinced his party colleague had done nothing unlawful or unethical; he said his only mistake had been a poor choice of subordinates.