Opposition pushes for no-confidence vote over Macinka texts

Opposition parties are seeking a vote of no confidence in the government over text messages sent by Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists’ Party) to President Petr Pavel.

The extraordinary session of the Chamber of Deputies will be convened by Speaker Tomio Okamura (SPD) on Tuesday next week, after the opposition collected the required 81 signatures.

Representatives of all five opposition parties announced the move at a press conference on Wednesday, arguing that Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has failed to condemn Macinka’s remarks and has not clearly stated whether the minister still has his support.