Pavel continues consultations as culture-minister nominee Klempíř arrives

President Petr Pavel continues talks with ministerial nominees for the planned ANO, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and Motorists’ party government. This morning, Motorists’ nominee for culture minister Oto Klempíř arrived at Prague Castle; he will be followed by proposed sport, prevention and health minister Boris Šťastný. The most anticipated meeting will not take place, as controversial environment-minister nominee Filip Turek cancelled for health reasons. He says old back problems have returned, and party colleagues cite a herniated disc. Pavel has strong reservations about his appointment, pointing to racist and homophobic posts, disputed property disclosures and past threatening behaviour. The Motorists’ party still backs Turek.