Babis leads new coalition as Czech government receives presidential approval

On December 15, Czech President Petr Pavel formally appointed the members of Andrej Babis’ third government at Prague Castle, marking the former ANO party leader’s return to power nearly four years after leaving office.

The coalition government is composed of ministers from ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and the Motorists’ parties, replacing the outgoing administration of Petr Fiala, Radio Prague International reports.

Within the cabinet, ANO holds eight ministerial posts in addition to the premiership, SPD is allocated three ministries, and the Motorists will oversee four departments. The coalition commands a parliamentary majority of 108 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and plans to request a confidence vote on January 13.

The deputy prime ministers in the new government are Karel Havlíček and Alena Schillerová from ANO, Petr Macinka representing the Motorists, and Jaromír Zůna for SPD. Motorists leader Petr Macinka will temporarily manage two ministries: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment. Motorists nominee Filip Turek has not yet met with President Pavel due to health reasons, and the president has expressed reservations regarding his potential role in the cabinet.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Babis will move to Straka Academy, the official seat of the prime minister and the venue for government meetings. There, he will be welcomed by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), who will provide an 80-page report detailing the current state of the country and summarizing the achievements of his administration.

By Vafa Guliyeva