Czech President Pavel objects to Filip Turek as environment minister amid rape investigation, as PM-designate Babis presents controversial coalition
PRAGUE: Czech Prime Minister-designate Andrej Babis has presented his cabinet lineup to President Petr Pavel, who immediately objected to a ministerial candidate under investigation for rape.
Babis confirmed that President Pavel “raised a number of objections” to Filip Turek, nominated as environment minister from the eurosceptic Motorists party.
Turek faces police investigation for domestic violence and rape following a complaint filed by a former girlfriend.
The candidate was previously investigated for allegedly owning Nazi paraphernalia and giving the Nazi salute, though that case has been shelved.
Pavel “thinks Mr Turek should not be a minister,” Babis told reporters after their meeting.
“I think he could get the chance but I respect Mr President’s opinion,” the billionaire politician added.
President Pavel can constitutionally refuse to appoint Turek and will meet all ministerial candidates between November 28 and December 10 before making final decisions.
Babis formed his coalition with the Motorists and far-right SPD party after his ANO movement won October’s general election.
The new eurosceptic coalition will hold 108 seats in the 200-member parliament, replacing the centre-right government in the EU and NATO member country.
Babis himself faces trial over EU subsidy fraud allegations, which he denies as a smear campaign.
The prime minister-designate said Pavel required him to announce how he would resolve potential conflicts of interest with his Agrofert conglomerate before taking office.
“The president’s condition is that I should say it before I am appointed,” Babis confirmed.
SPD chairman Tomio Okamura, now parliament speaker, also faces trial for inciting hatred allegations.
Critics suggest Babis and Okamura might support each other if police seek to strip their parliamentary immunity for trial.
The ANO party will have nine ministers in the new government, with SPD nominating three experts and Motorists receiving four positions.
Babis hopes to attend the December 18 EU summit as Czech prime minister. – AFP
