Opposition slams government Constitutional Court move

The government's decision to ask the Constitutional Court to reject or dismiss President Petr Pavel's competence complaint has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.

Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc said on Monday the cabinet would also seek the recusal of judge-rapporteur Pavel Šámal, arguing that his preliminary ruling amounted to unprecedented judicial activism and interfered with the government's constitutional powers.

MEP Danuše Nerudová accused the government of undermining the country's highest court, comparing its actions to the practices of the communist-era secret police. Former justice minister Jiří Pospíšil called the bid to remove Šámal from the case scandalous.

A Constitutional Court spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the court had received the government's response. The full bench is due to rule in September on the government's objection alleging bias against Šámal.