Prague, (CTK) – The Czech Finance Ministry is very likely to remove the Capi hnizdo project, implicating Prime Minister Andrej Babis, from EU financing as it is the best solution for the budget, the ministry told journalists today.
The decision will be made despite a disagreement expressed by the committee of the Regional Operational Programme (ROP) Central Bohemia earlier today.
The Finance Ministry said it would be proceeding in a similar way in other operational programmes, too.
It dismissed the criticism that it was trying to “sweep the case under the carpet.”
“The process of the possible recovery of the provided subsidy from its recipient takes place on the national level irrespective of the potential removal from the European financing,” the Finance Ministry said.
The committee did not approve the removal of Capi hnizdo project from the EU financing. The body is dominated by the Central Bohemia opposition, TOP 09, the Mayors and Independents (STAN) and the Civic Democratic Party (ODS).
In doing so, it did not comply with a recommendation by the Finance Ministry and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
The opposition is of the view that if it did, the case would be pushed to the national level and swept under the carpet.
The police have brought accusations against Babis and ANO first deputy head Jaroslav Faltynek over the 50 million crowns subsidy from EU means for the Capi hnizdo (Stork Nest) recreational and conference complex.