After intensive negotiations, the coalition agreement between ANO, SPD and Motoristé sobě is finally concluded. The new government is expected to be in place by mid-December.
An hour before the opening session of the new Chamber of Deputies, representatives of the parties ANO, SPD and Motoristé sobě signed the coalition agreement. The government programme is to be officially presented in the coming days. The agreement also defines the distribution of ministries: nine departments, including the office of the Prime Minister, are to go to ANO, four to Motoristé sobě and three to the SPD.
Programme priorities
ANO, SPD and Motoristé sobě had already discussed the government programme last week. The programme lists as strategic priorities more affordable energy prices and energy security, an accessible healthcare system, housing as a public good, fair pensions and internal security.
The document confirms, among other things, the rejection of the EU Emissions Trading System ETS2 and focuses on the further development of nuclear energy. In addition, the Czech crown is to be retained and the electronic registration of sales (EET) reintroduced.
The programme has already been submitted to President Petr Pavel. After the election, he emphasised that any new government must remain clearly anchored in the EU, respect international law and place human dignity and human rights at its core. He described NATO membership as the country’s fundamental security guarantee.
Personnel matters still open
The coalition will decide on personnel appointments later – also because of controversies surrounding some of the proposed candidates. Motoristé sobě continue to insist on nominating MP Filip Turek as Foreign Minister, despite criticism of him for racist and homophobic statements on social media.
Other possible appointments are also viewed with scepticism – among them Motoristé sobě chairman Petr Macinka as potential Environment Minister, MP Oto Klempíř as Culture Minister and Martin Šebestyán as possible Agriculture Minister.
