Babiš to present Turek’s ministerial nomination to president

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the ANO party leader heading a coalition with the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists' party, said he will present the Motorists’ nominee Filip Turek for environment minister to President Petr Pavel at a meeting at Prague Castle on Wednesday. Coalition leaders agreed on the move at a meeting of the coalition council. Babiš has said Turek should be given a chance to convince the public he wants to atone for past conduct and remarks. The Motorists insist on the nomination. The president’s office reiterated that Pavel’s position remains unchanged, noting he previously expected Babiš not to submit the nomination and indicated he might refuse to appoint Turek, an exceptional step.