Tuesday January 27, 2026

4th Czech health minister resigns since beginning of pandemic

Published : 26 May 2021, 02:19

DF News Desk

Two little girls light candles on the ground of the Old Town Square where thousands of white crosses are painted in memory of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 22, 2021. File Photo: Xinhua.

Czech Health Minister Petr Arenberger on Tuesday announced his resignation because of alleged irregularities concerning property declaration, reported Xinhua.

Arenberger, who was sworn to head the ministry on April 7, is the fourth health minister to resign in the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Speaking at a press conference, Arenberger said a wrongly filled property statement was his only fault. He said he believes the personnel change will not "affect the further resolution of the pandemic or the strategic steps of the ministry."

In recent weeks, local media reported on alleged irregularities in Arenberger's tax filings where he declared more assets and a higher income after becoming a government minister than in previous years.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who is attending a European Union summit in Brussels, told reporters that Arenberger will be replaced by Adam Vojtech, the former health minister who stepped down last year, according to local media reports.