Prime minister apologises for making rude gesture in Chamber of Deputies

Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has apologised for raising his middle finger to opposition deputies in the lower housethe website Novinky reported. Mr Topolanek made the rude gesture after the opposition benches demanded the presence of the cabinet in the Chamber of Deputies. The prime minister first said he had raised his finger at Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek, with the latter also claiming it had been directed at him. But Mr Topolanek later admitted it had been aimed at Social Democrat and Communist rivals. He said he deeply regretted the gesture.

Author: Ian Willoughby