The Czech Republic's coalition government on Thursday faced a parliamentary vote of no confidence over its handling of the energy crisis and a scandal involving the head of one of the country's intelligence agencies, AP reported.

The opposition accused the ruling coalition of not doing enough to help households and businesses cope with high electricity and natural gas prices.

The government says it has introduced a household support plan for about 15,000 CZK ($611) on average over the coming winter and is working on further steps to ease the financial pressure.

The government also plans to convene an emergency meeting of other European Union countries next week to come up with a unified approach to solving the problem. The Czech Republic is currently the rotating chairman of the bloc.

On a separate issue, the opposition demanded the resignation of Piotr Mlejnek, head of the Foreign Relations and Information Department, because of his contacts with a businessman who has been charged with corruption.

Mleynek denies his guilt, but on Wednesday he resigned from his post. Opposition lawmakers are demanding the replacement of Interior Minister Vit Rakuzan, who appointed and supported Mleinek.