Environmentalists plan Sunday protest as Motorists’ leader rejects their concerns

Environmental organizations plan to hold a demonstration on Sunday at Prague’s Hradčanské Square to protest against plans to give the Environment Ministry to the Motorists’ party in the emerging coalition of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and the Motorists' parties.  Motorists’ leader Petr Macinka dismissed fears that his party would harm the environment, calling such concerns unfounded. He said protecting nature remains a priority but argued that some green regulations have gone too far and need to be made more rational. ANO leader Andrej Babiš said the coalition agreement clearly assigns the ministry to the Motorists and called the environmentalists’ demands “nonsensical.”