Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned Friday after opposition parties called for his removal over a controversy involving bitcoins donated to the Ministry of Justice.
Earlier this year, the ministry allegedly accepted a donation of bitcoins, which were later sold for about 1 billion Czech koruna (over $45 million). The donation came from a person previously convicted of drug dealing and other crimes, raising concerns about the source of the funds and sparking accusations of possible money laundering.
Blažek denied any wrongdoing, posting on social media platform X, “I am not aware of any illegal actions. However, I do not want to damage the reputation of the government or the governing coalition.”
Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed support for Blažek’s decision, writing on X that he believes the minister acted in good faith and praised his responsible step to resign.
Blažek, a close ally of Fiala and a member of the conservative Civic Democratic Party, stepped down just months before the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3-4. The main opposition party, ANO, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, is widely predicted to win the vote.
The controversy is being investigated by the police’s organized crime unit. It remains unclear who will replace Blažek in the Justice Ministry.
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