Could a pandemic party lead to Boris Johnson’s resignation? – Kommersant FM – Kommersant

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologized for partying at the height of the pandemic. But the opposition is still demanding his resignation. The head of the British government admitted that in May 2020 he attended a party in the garden of the Downing Street residence. At the time, there was a tight lockdown in the United Kingdom. Mr. Johnson stated that he considered it a work event. However, opponents of the prime minister call his excuses absurd. Supporters of Boris Johnson, as well as newspapers usually loyal to him, joined in the criticism. Read more in the review of the foreign press on Kommersant FM.

100 people were invited to the party in the garden of the Prime Minister’s residence. Bring a drink with you, Boris Johnson’s personal secretary said in an email. The prime minister and his fiancee were among thirty guests who nevertheless decided to take part in the party, writes Politico… Explaining to Parliament, Mr. Johnson said that he was present at the meeting for about 25 minutes. And I came to thank the staff for their hard work during the pandemic. He apologized and assured that he would send everyone back to the office if he could turn back the clock. This explanation is so ridiculous that it simply offends the British public, said Labor leader Cyrus Starmer. He called on Boris Johnson to do the right thing and resign.

Many of the prime minister’s associates in the Conservative party seem to agree with this position. According to The Guardian, MPs are seriously discussing a vote of no confidence in the head of the British government. If 54 conservatives demand it, the issue will be put to a vote in parliament. Apparently, 25 deputies have already voted in favor. Many were annoyed that in private conversations Boris Johnson repented much less than during his speech in the House of Commons. Others are in no hurry to comment and prefer to wait for the conclusions of the second permanent secretary in the Cabinet of Ministers, Sue Gray. On behalf of Mr. Johnson, a senior government official is investigating the party-gate. This is what the press calls the scandal associated with the parties on Downing Street during the lockdown, including on Christmas in 2020. The prime minister himself, by the way, also urged to wait for the results of the investigation, responding to calls for resignation.

Moreover, as noted British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Boris Johnson was defended by the employees of his office. The ministers of education, justice, foreign affairs and finance expressed their support for the prime minister.

And Mr. Johnson still has a chance to get out of the water, argues Politico… Perhaps the outburst of discontent will be short, and the prime minister will calmly wait it out. Boris Johnson needs to prove that the voters are still on his side. Judging by the polls, he is losing support. But some of the newspaper’s interlocutors say that the prime minister’s opponents go too far when they criticize him. So far, the public reacts to the scandal more calmly than many politicians.

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