Jan Stráský appointed head of Šumava National Park

Environment Minister Tomáš Chalupa appointed on Monday former Czechoslovak prime minister Jan Stráský the acting head of the Šumava National Park. The minister chose Mr Stráský, who has been the head of the park’s council for several years, over three candidates for the post recommended by a selection committee. Mr Stráský’s primary task is to stop the spread of the bark beetle. However, several environmental groups have criticized Mr Stráský for his stance on the issue.