Czech agriculture minister creates 'food ombudsman' role

Czech Agriculture Minister Martin Šebestyán (non-affiliated, representing SPD) has created a new post of 'food ombudsman' within his ministry. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he said the role will be filled by Jindřich Fialka, the ministry’s current director of food production. Fialka will be responsible for increasing transparency across the food industry and helping to protect the rights of consumers, domestic farmers, and food producers. Šebestyán emphasised that the new position will not add costs or bureaucracy. Instead, it is intended to play a key role in implementing government plans to ensure high-quality and affordable food. The minister has not yet given precise details for a plan to reduce food prices.