Pavel continues talks with ministerial nominees as Turek cancels over health issues

President Petr Pavel continues consultations with ministerial nominees for the planned ANO, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and Motorists' party government, but controversial environment-minister candidate Filip Turek cancels for health reasons. He cites recurring back problems, and party colleagues mention a herniated disc. Pavel has expressed strong reservations about appointing Turek, who faces criticism for racist and homophobic posts, disputed property disclosures and an alleged threat years ago to a Saudi embassy employee. The president today will meet only culture nominee Oto Klempíř and proposed sport, prevention and health minister Boris Šťastný.