PRAGUE - President Petr Pavel has invited ANO chair Andrej Babiš to Prague Castle next Wednesday to discuss the draft program statement of the future government ANO is forming with the SPD and the Motorists. The president also wants to be informed about the steps Babiš, as a possible prime minister, intends to take in connection with the resolution of the conflict of interest law. At X nets this was stated today by the Office of the President of the Republic.
Babiš met with the President at the Castle last Monday and Pavel subsequently tasked him with negotiating the formation of a government. It is customary in the Czech Republic for the president to give the assignment, but the constitution provides for the appointment of the prime minister. On Friday, the emerging coalition sent a draft programme declaration to the president's inbox. In response, the castle said that Pavel was still awaiting further comment on the programme from the ANO chief.
After the elections, the President said it was essential that the government count on a firm anchorage in the EU, that Czech policy be in line with international law and that it emphasize human dignity and human rights. He considers NATO membership to be a security guarantee. Among the key issues, he also listed the preservation and support of the institutions of a democratic state, the independence of the public service media, the autonomy of universities and the independence of the judiciary, the prosecutor's office, the police, the security forces and other state bodies.
„I will follow the specific expression of these principles in the coalition agreement, in the division of ministries, in the staffing of ministries, and in the setting of common program priorities of the proposed government,“ Pavel announced. The staffing of ministries will be another issue that the head of state will address with the emerging government. The president plans to meet with the candidates for cabinet members and discuss their priorities and positions.
Representatives of the ANO, SPD and Motorists movements signed a coalition agreement on Monday. The document confirms the division of ministries and the appointment of a representative of the SPD to the post of speaker of the lower house. According to Babiš, the coalition will return to the staffing of the ministries at the end of November. Babiš has repeatedly said in recent weeks that he would present the solution publicly before his possible appointment as prime minister. He plans to present them to Pavel first.
ČTK/ceskenoviny.cz/gnews.cz-jav
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