MP Filip Turek appointed government commissioner for climate policy

MP and honorary president of the Motorists’ party Filip Turek has been appointed government commissioner for climate policy, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) told journalists after Monday’s cabinet meeting. The move comes after President Petr Pavel refused to appoint Turek as environment minister. Mr. Babiš said it was a temporary solution. At the same time, the government abolished the post of commissioner for international climate negotiations.

The ministry is currently being temporarily overseen by Foreign Minister and Motorists’ party leader Petr Macinka.

Legal experts have criticized the move arguing that a government commissioner cannot run a ministry, even indirectly. According to them, such an arrangement amounts to circumventing constitutional rules.