Political Turmoil: Czech PM Fiala Proposes Sacking Development Minister Ivan Bartos

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala proposed the dismissal of Development Minister Ivan Bartos over alleged mismanagement of a digital building permit system, causing tension within the ruling coalition. The Pirate Party, already weakened from recent electoral losses, may exit the government, affecting the coalition's stability.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala proposed the dismissal of Development Minister Ivan Bartos on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the centre-right coalition government. The move is likely to prompt the exit of the smallest party in the coalition.

Fiala cited Bartos' mismanagement of the digital system for issuing building permits as the reason for his proposal. The decision now rests with President Petr Pavel, who needs to officially dismiss Bartos.

The Pirate Party, led by Bartos, has only four seats in the 200-member lower house, and their exit wouldn't destabilize the ruling coalition significantly. However, Bartos' dismissal reveals internal fissures in the government as it faces a formidable populist opposition in the upcoming election.

Upon learning of his intended dismissal, Bartos called the move a "dirty trick." He was informed hours after meeting Fiala on Tuesday morning. Despite the political drama, Fiala praised two other ministers from the Pirate Party, including Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, and asked for a new candidate to be proposed for Bartos' role.

Yet, Pirate Party officials stated that Fiala's action essentially ended their participation in the government. Jakob Michalek, head of the Pirates' caucus, said returning to negotiate with Fiala's ruling party was out of the question. Bartos' weakened position stemmed from broad criticism over the flawed implementation of the building permit system and significant losses in recent regional elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)