Billboards try to shame Czech prime minister in resigning

[paineinthearse]

Could it happen here?????? (hint hint, nudge, nudge)


AFP Photo

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/czechpoliticsprotest

Billboards try to shame Czech prime minister in resigning

Mon Mar 21,12:44 PM ET Entertainment - AFP

PRAGUE (AFP) - Around 30 billboards declaring "I am ashamed of my prime minister" appeared across the Czech capital Prague, as pressure mounted against Stanislav Gross over his refusal to explain how he purchased a luxury apartment. "Over the past weeks we have become increasingly ashamed of the strange people and situations which appear in connection with our prime minister,"

Ondrej Skarka, one of the initiative's two organisers, told AFP. Gross has faced increased calls to resign over the past weeks as he has refused to adequately explain how he financed the purchase several years ago of a luxury apartment on his modest government salary. Newspapers digging into his finances then raised questions about a company belonging to Gross's wife Sarka as it appeared the main bank guarantee for this company had been provided by a brothelkeeper.

"He is not capable of explaining things that are quite simple in our point of view. We do not oppose the Social Democrats as such, nor the government nor the coalition, but the way the prime minister behaves," said Skarka. Gross, who also leads the Social Democrats, has so far been backed by his party, but one of the coalition partners, the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL), threatened Saturday to trigger the collapse of the government if the prime minister does not step down.

Gross has seen his public support plummet since the first questions about his finances were raised in January, dropping nearly 30 points to a current record low of 18 percent. The billboard campaign organisers are hoping to tap into that disaffection -- for 100 euros (132 dollars) individuals or organisations can appear on their own billboard with their photo and name alongside the statement "I am ashamed of my prime minister."

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[paineinthearse]

1. Judging from the response, maybe not. nt