Foit: TOP09.cz
PRAGUE - Economist Pavel Tuleja (TOP 09) will not be the next Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. He resigned today in response to criticism that he has published his work in so-called predatory journals that do not meet scientific standards. His move was welcomed by coalition leaders, including Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), but doubts could weigh on the government. Tulej's appointment was scheduled for Monday and TOP 09 is now looking for a new candidate to replace the current minister, Helena Langšádlová. President Petr Pavel said he would wait for the next proposal and proceed in accordance with the constitution. According to representatives of the scientific and academic community contacted by ČTK today, Tuleja's decision to renounce his nomination as minister was also correct.
Tuleja said no member of the government should be burdened with doubts. "In the last few days, several of my failures have come to light, of which I was not aware, but which I do not want and cannot relativise. The political culture in our country is extremely important to me and I take it for granted to draw political responsibility from this. No minister should be burdened with doubts about his or her fitness to hold office," he wrote.
CTK/gnews.cz-JaV_07
TOP 09 nominated Pavel Tuleja, Minister for Science and Research
TOP 09 will nominate Pavel Tuleja - an economist, university lecturer and former rector of Silesian University - for the post of Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. The party leadership agreed on him both for his rich managerial skills in the academic sphere and for his numerous other experiences in public life.
Doc. Ing. Pavel Tuleja, Ph.D., was the Rector of Silesian University in Opava for eight years, where he now works as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Public Administration and Social Policy, Faculty of Public Policy and also as Vice-Rector for Strategy and Communication. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Czech Rectors' Conference. For the fourth year he is a representative of the Moravian-Silesian Region, and for the second year he is a representative of the Statutory City of Havířov. Since last year, he has been a member of TOP 09, for which he ran again as an independent candidate in the past.
"I would sum up the vision with which I'm running for the ministry in the slogan 'KNOW BETTER'." suggests Pavel Tuleja. "I would like to get science closer to politicians and others to the public aid authorities on which its existence depends. It is crucial for me to get it closer to companies and investors who can open up new opportunities for students, researchers or university spin-offs. It is also important to bring it closer to the public - to give it a higher social profile that will attract more talent. Last but not least, we need to bring the different areas of the department closer together, both sectorally and regionally, by which I mean the regions of Europe. I have a lot to build on, for example, when it comes to transfer reform. V other things I want to offer improvements. I'm not thinking of a revolution - more of an evolution."
"Associate Professor Tuleja is an experienced manager, economist and academic. As Rector of Silesian University, he has faced many challenges and has proven that he can rise to them. I am glad that he has also taken up the challenge to pursue science, research and innovation from the position of Minister. He serves as Vice-Rector for Strategy and Communication and as a representative of the Moravian-Silesian Region, which, together with his economic erudition, combines an ideal combination of experience and competence." says the chairwoman Markéta Pekarová Adamová.
"To decide in a few days in such a big thing - whether it's a nomination for a minister or resigning as vice-chancellor at the University of Silesia - is not just a matter of course," adds Pavel Tuleja. "This is a department that can turn Czech science and research into the cornerstones of the Czech economy and thus strengthen the Czech Republic's competitiveness on foreign markets."
The TOP 09 party has already informed Prime Minister Petr Fiala about the nomination of Pavel Tuleja as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. The President of the Republic Petr Pavel will receive Pavel Tuleja at Prague Castle on 6 May.
MARKÉTA VOLFOVÁ, SPOKESWOMAN OF TOP 09
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