Outgoing Czech PM criticizes Spolu and PirStan’s plans to add new ministerial posts

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has criticized plans by the electoral coalitions Spolu and PirStan, expected to form the next government, to add several new ministerial posts – legislation; EU affairs; and science, research and innovation.

Before leaving on Thursday morning for a meeting of the Visegrád Group in Budapest, the outgoing prime minister told journalists that the proposed new ministries were superfluous and would serve only to increase costs.

Spolu (comprised of the Civic Democrats, Christian Democrats and TOP 09 parties) and PirStan (comprised of the Pirates and Party of Mayors and Independents) are due to sign a coalition agreement on Monday.

The two blocs have agreed that Spolu nominees will serve as the ministers of finance, defence, labour, transport, health, justice, agriculture, environment, arts and science, research and innovation, and Civic Democrats’ chairman Petr Fiala will be prime minister.

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