MPs continue debate on no-confidence motion against Babiš cabinet

Lawmakers may on Wednesday conclude debate on a no-confidence motion against the government led by Andrej Babiš (ANO Party). Five opposition parties triggered the vote after an escalating dispute between the Motorists Party and President Petr Pavel, who has refused to appoint Filip Turek as environment minister. The ANO–Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party–Motorists coalition is expected to survive, as the opposition controls only 92 of the 200 seats, nine short of the required majority. The vote could take place later on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists' Party) was one of the speakers. He said that Pavel refused to appoint Turek as environment minister not for legal reasons but based on a subjective value judgment. He added that Pavel will never again be the president of all Czechs, continuing in his argumentation that Pavel represents the current opposition.