Babiš meets environmental groups over future of environment ministry

Representatives of environmental NGOs meet Friday morning with ANO party leader Andrej Babiš, who is forming a coalition government with the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists’ party. They discuss the future direction of the Environment Ministry and priorities in protecting nature and the climate. The meeting follows criticism of a possible nomination of Motorists’ leader Petr Macinka as environment minister. Over 20 environmental groups urge Babiš not to appoint anyone from the Motorists’ party, calling instead for a candidate who can balance environmental protection with modern industry, energy, and agriculture, based on science and expert dialogue.