President meets with last nominees before appointing new cabinet

President Miloš Zeman has met with the last two nominees for ministerial posts before appointing a new centre-left government on Wednesday. Lubomír Zaorálek, nominated for the post of foreign minister and Jiří Dienstbier who is slated to take over the government’s human rights agenda are both vocal critics of the president. Despite this, the head of state made no indication that he would refuse any of the prime minister’s nominations. Mr. Dienstbier, who ran against Miloš Zeman in the presidential elections last year, has said he wants to increase the powers of the Ombudsman, push for a law allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt children and introduce social housing. Lubomír Zaorálek wants to improve the country’s reputation in the EU.