Pavel appoints Babiš government formed by ANO, SPD and Motorists' parties

President Petr Pavel on Monday morning appointed the members of the government led by Andrej Babiš, the ANO party leader, at Prague Castle. The cabinet is formed by ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists' parties. Babiš, returning to power almost exactly four years after leaving office, is to formally install the new ministers later in the day, while the cabinet is also holding its first largely technical meeting. ANO holds eight ministerial posts in addition to the prime minister. SPD has three ministers and the Motorists lead four ministries. Motorists’ leader Petr Macinka is temporarily in charge of both the foreign and environment ministries. The coalition controls 108 seats in the lower house and is expected to seek a confidence vote on January 13.