Financial Irregularities
In early 2005, Gross faced a scandal related to unclear origins of the loan to buy his flat. It was found that his wife was a business associate of a brothel owner suspected of insurance fraud and money laundering1. Criticism from the media and record public dissatisfaction grew into a government crisis. For three months, Gross tried to keep himself in power until he was forced to resign on 25 April 2005. His popularity sunk to a record low, and trust in politicians among Czech people was shattered.2
In September 2005 Gross stepped down from his remaining position of party leader. The reason was growing suspicion about corruption during the privatization of chemical conglomerate Unipetrol to the Polish PKN Orlen, involving Gross3.
Media speculation continues. Gross was the subject of an article in Reflex Magazine (issue 36, September 2010) which included doubts regarding his explanation as to how his wealth was created, and which called for an investigation.
1This person was later sentenced for insurance fraud to five years in prison. She claims it is the result of conspiracy .
2 Radio.cz article documenting the Grosses – including archive of Stanislav Gross related articles
3 Gross denies all accusations as an absurd conspiracy against him .
Read more about this topic: Stanislav Gross
Famous quotes containing the word financial:
“The woman who does her job for society inside the four walls of her home must not be considered by her husband or anyone else an economic “dependent,” reaching out her hands in mendicant fashion for financial help.”
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