Pavel and Babiš Seek Compromise on Political Disputes: Turek Issue Considered Resolved

Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš agreed at a meeting to seek compromise solutions on political disputes. At the same time, Pavel reaffirmed his final decision not to appoint Filip Turek as Minister of the Environment.

At their meeting on Wednesday, President Pavel and Prime Minister Babiš agreed to look for compromises on differing political issues. The President expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would ease potential tensions with coalition partners and individual ministers to avoid situations that could endanger Czech interests or weaken the Czech Republic’s position abroad.

There was agreement that it would be unacceptable for the Foreign Ministry to restrict or cease cooperation and communication with the President and the Presidential Office. Such a situation would, in the view of both sides, undermine the functionality of Czech foreign policy and key state responsibilities. Foreign Minister Macinka stated over the weekend that he and his department would ignore the Presidential Office due to the current dispute.

Foto: Tomáš Fongus | Odbor komunikace KPR

Decision Final: Filip Turek Will Not Be Appointed Minister of the Environment by Pavel

Following the meeting, Pavel once again emphasised that his decision not to appoint Filip Turek as Minister is final. He regards this decision as fully constitutional and pointed out that he had set out his position in detail in a letter to Andrej Babiš, based on constitutional arguments. Any divergent decision could be taken only by the Constitutional Court.

At the same time, the President expressed his readiness to appoint a new Minister of the Environment and expects a new proposal from the Prime Minister in this regard.

Andrej Babiš stated after the meeting: “In my view, the question of Filip Turek in the government is closed, as the President is not willing to appoint him as Minister. The matter is therefore resolved and will not be revisited.”

Foto: Tomáš Fongus | Odbor komunikace KPR

Regular Meetings Between Pavel and Babiš Planned

In future, there will be regular meetings between President Pavel and Prime Minister Babiš at intervals of about four to six weeks, or depending on the current situation. On matters of foreign policy coordination, President Pavel will hold talks with the chairpersons of both parliamentary chambers.

Regarding the constitutional powers of the President to appoint and dismiss heads of diplomatic missions, Pavel stressed that these remain unquestioned. The nomination of ambassadors will continue to be coordinated with the Prime Minister. The same applies to planning participation in summits and other high-level international meetings, with the President expecting adherence to the traditional form of representation.