The Czech Republic has a new justice minister after a scandal involving a mysterious donation in the cryptocurrency bitcoin worth several million euros, DPA reported, BTA reports.
President Petr Pavel today appointed lawyer Eva Decroix to replace the previous minister, Pavel Blažek. During the ceremony, the head of state called for a transparent and independent investigation into the case.
The scandal has shaken the liberal-conservative government less than four months before parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3 and 4.
According to official information, a convicted criminal donated 468,468 bitcoins to the Ministry of Justice in Prague. The agency subsequently auctioned the cryptocurrency and, according to its estimates, raised nearly 40 million euros.
Critics have expressed doubts that the donation may have come from dubious or even illegal transactions. The opposition ANO party, led by billionaire Andrej Babis, has filed a motion of no confidence in the government in parliament.
Babiš has accused Prime Minister Petr Fiala of laundering "drug money". A simple majority of at least 101 out of 200 MPs is needed for a successful vote of no confidence.
The Justice Ministry said that the proceeds from the donation would be used for charitable purposes - including helping crime victims and improving prison conditions. Police have already launched a formal investigation.