Foreign Minister Lipavský to cut short his US trip amidst government crisis

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will cut short his official trip to the United States and return to Czechia on Sunday due to the current government crisis. In an interview with Czech Television, Mr. Lipavský said that he will meet Prime Minister Petr Fiala for talks on Monday, and will offer his resignation.

Lipavský, a member of the Pirate Party, stated his disagreement with the party's recent decision to withdraw from the government following the Prime Minister’s decision to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development Minister Ivan Bartoš. He also revealed his intention to quit the party altogether and said he had no plans to join another political organisation.

Prime Minister Fiala made it clear he did not want to lose Lipavský as foreign minister and President Pavel also said it would be unfortunate to have a change-of-guard at the top foreign ministry post.