Government to approve policy statement, faces dispute over Turek nomination

The new Czech government of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists' party is set to approve its policy statement at its first meeting of the year. The document pledges not to raise taxes, to reintroduce electronic sales registration and to halt steps toward adopting the euro. The cabinet, led by ANO party leader Andrej Babiš, plans to seek a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies next week. Ministers are also expected to address the controversial nomination of Motorists’ MP Filip Turek as environment minister. President Petr Pavel has made clear he opposes Turek’s appointment and has indicated he may refuse to name him to the post.