President to meet with new nominee for environment minister before reaching decision

President Petr Pavel plans to receive the Motorists’ nominee for environment minister, Igor Červený, at Prague Castle before making a decision on his appointment. According to Prague Castle the meeting could take place within days.

The Motorists’ party proposed Červený on Monday in place of its original candidate, Filip Turek, whom the president refused to appoint over his controversial actions and statements.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed the hope that the president would proceed with the appointment.

Turek is expected to remain at the Environment Ministry as government Commissioner for Climate Policy. According to party representatives, he and Červený intend to work “in tandem.”

Opposition politicians have welcomed the new nomination. Environmental groups, however, have voiced concern that environmental and climate protection could be weakened under the proposed leadership.