Eva Decroix named Czech justice minister after Bitcoin scandal

Prime Minister Petr Fiala has appointed Eva Decroix as the Czech Republic’s new justice minister, replacing Pavel Blažek following the political storm over a $45 million Bitcoin donation. The decision comes just months before the general election amid mounting calls for accountability.

Blažek faced criticism after the Ministry of Justice accepted 468 Bitcoin from Tomáš Jirčovský, a convicted criminal linked to the now-defunct illicit online platform Sheep Marketplace. The assets were sold earlier this year for approximately $43 million.

Although Blažek claimed the donation was legal and intended to benefit the state, opponents accused him of legitimising criminal proceeds and bypassing legal procedures.

As public and political pressure increased, Blažek resigned and quit Fiala’s Civic Democrat party, stating the issue had become a distraction for the government. In response, Fiala called Decroix’s appointment vital and ordered an independent audit to restore public confidence.

The timing is critical, with the general election scheduled for 3–4 October. The opposition ANO party, led by former prime minister Andrej Babiš, has seized on the controversy to question the government’s integrity.

Although the coalition remains stable in parliament, analysts warn the scandal could influence voter sentiment in a closely fought race.

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