BRATISLAVA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Slovak Culture Minister Marek Madaric on Wednesday announced his resignation in reaction to the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee.
"Following the journalist's murder, whether it turns out that he was murdered because of his work or not, I can't imagine continuing in the post of head of this ministry," said Madaric, adding that he would return to parliament as an ordinary member.
Madaric added he had been contemplating tendering his resignation as of Monday, and informed Prime Minister Robert Fico of his decision on Wednesday.
"We spoke, and he acknowledged my choice," said Madaric, who will submit his resignation to President Andrej Kiska on Monday.
The outgoing minister voiced his belief that the tragedy will contribute towards greater tolerance between politicians and journalists.
Investigative reporter for the Slovak news website Aktuality.sk, Kuciak, 27, wrote on suspicions of major tax fraud. He was shot and killed along with his girlfriend in his house in Velka Maca in the Western Slovakia between Thursday and Sunday last week.
The case is under investigation.
