Security forces calling for interior minister’s head

A police and firefighters’ trade union has launched a petition calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Radek John, whom it blames for the worsening work conditions of the country’s security forces. The petition is to be distributed among the country’s 50,000 officers and firefighters who are unhappy over low pay and less money for operation. Like other state employees, police and firefighters have had to take a 10 percent wage cut in line with the government’s austerity measures. The interior minister has said he has no reason to resign and cannot be held responsible for the poor state of public finances. Signatures on the petition are to be collected until March 15th.