Slovakia’s Prime Minister Igor Matović has formally resigned from his post to resolve the country’s political crisis, writes Euronews.

The Slovakian government confirmed that it had submitted its resignation to President Zuzana Čaputová after a meeting on Tuesday.

It is the first European government to collapse due to a decision regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, Matovič announced that he would step down amid a political scandal triggered by a secret deal to buy Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine.

The crisis erupted when a secret deal struck by Slovakia to acquire 2 million doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine was revealed.

At least six cabinet members had already resigned from their posts.

Slovakia is an EU member, and the bloc has not yet authorised the Russian vaccine for use. The deal to purchase Sputnik V vaccines was conducted despite disagreement by Matovic’s coalition allies, the Freedom and Solidarity party and For People party.