Social Democrat MP admits to abusing perks but denies breaking law

Social Democrat Bohuslav Sobotka has admitted to abusing transport and housing perks he received as an MP to help pay for an apartment in Prague, Mladá fronta Dnes reported. However, he told the newspaper he had not broken the law, adding that he did not know of any constitutional official who would divide their salary and perks. Mr Sobotka, who frequently comes near the top of most-popular-politician polls, was finance minister from 2002 to 2006.