Czech president names new ministers, completing reshuffle

President Václav Klaus has named new ministers to Mirek Topolánek’s government, completing a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle. Those named on Friday at Prague Castle include four newcomers, among them Daniela Filipiová as health minister and Michael Kocáb (a well-known musician and public figure) as the minister for minority affairs. Cyril Svoboda, a minister without portfolio until now, was named the minister for regional development, while Defence Minister Vlasta Parkanová was named deputy prime minister. A broad cabinet reshuffle was first promised by the prime minister last October, when the coalition parties were badly defeated in regional and Senate elections.

On Friday President Václav Klaus expressed the hope that the new cabinet would find the necessary backing in the lower house to better face the ongoing economic downturn.

Author: Jan Velinger