Czech President Petr Pavel continues his series of meetings with the proposed members of the future government, during which he discusses the key priorities of individual ministries and fundamental issues with them. During Monday and Tuesday's meetings, he focused primarily on the economy, energy, social policy, security, regional development and transport. The candidates present their visions, plans and expected legislative changes to the President, while the Head of State emphasises stability, sustainability and realistic financing of the proposals submitted.

Pavel began Tuesday's proceedings with a meeting with the candidate for Minister of the Interior. Lubomírem Metnarem. The discussion focused primarily on the country's internal and external security, personnel stability in the security forces, and the establishment of a fair remuneration system that would not upset the balance between the various corps and at the same time would not burden the state budget.

The President also pointed out that the Czech Republic has already adopted key parts of the EU migration pact; if the government plans to repeal them, the implications must be clearly explained both at home and abroad.

The president subsequently accepted the candidate for Minister for Regional Development. Zuzana Schwarz Bařtipánová, which presented its priorities in the area of amendments to the Building Act and the digitisation of building procedures. They also addressed the situation of structurally disadvantaged regions, improving the quality of life in economically disadvantaged areas, and possible solutions to the problems of excluded localities in cooperation with the Agency for Social Inclusion.

Tuesday's consultations concluded by the candidate for Minister of Transport Ivan Bednárik. He presented the president with plans for the development of transport infrastructure, including the search for additional sources of funding.

Both agreed that the high-speed rail project needs clear analyses of costs, returns and financing options. The discussion also touched on the share of truck transport on Czech roads and the potential of railways.

The President of the Republic began Monday's consultations with a meeting with the candidate for Minister of Industry and Trade. Karlem Havlíčkem. He presented the government's economic strategy and his ministry's priorities, with the President praising the comprehensiveness of the plans and expressing his support for strategic investments in areas important for future economic growth. They also discussed the completion of the Dukovany nuclear power plant, energy security and issues related to the ČEZ company.

This was followed by talks with the candidate for finance minister. Alenou Schillerovou, which focused on the government's budgetary options, the preparation of the state budget and the consolidation of public finances. The President emphasised the need to avoid increasing deficits and to maintain responsible state financial management.

The third topic on Monday was a meeting with the candidate for Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Alešem Juchelkou. Together, they discussed plans in the area of pension and social policy, the planned pension reform, and the situation on the labour market. The President shared his insights from visits to the regions and expressed interest in the specific measures that the government will offer to excluded localities.

The president stated that although he disagrees with some candidates on certain economic issues, all negotiations were conducted in a businesslike, open and non-confrontational manner.

Consultations will continue on Thursday with meetings with candidates for the posts of defence, agriculture and foreign affairs ministers.

Hrad.cz/gnews.cz - GH