President to appoint two ministers Thursday

President Petr Pavel will name two new ministers on Thursday, he said after a meeting with Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The head of state will appoint Mikuláš Bek minister of education, in place of Vladimír Balaš, who is standing down citing health reasons.

Mr. Bek has been serving as minister for European affairs and will be replaced in that role by Martin Dvořák, who has hitherto been a deputy foreign minister.

Mr. Balaš, Mr. Bek and Mr. Dvořák are all from the Mayors and Independents, the second-biggest party in the coalition government.