Opposition vows legal challenge to coalition's move curbing President Pavel's appointment powers
Opposition parties plan to contest a coalition-backed law that shifts the power to appoint Czech permanent mission heads from President Pavel to the foreign minister.
A proposal by Libor Vondráček, supported by ANO, SPD and Motoristé, rewrites the constitutional rule that lets President Pavel appoint and dismiss heads of Czech permanent missions at international organisations, moving that power to the foreign minister after the Senate vetoed the change. Opposition leaders, including STAN deputy chairman Karel Dvořák, called the amendment a "lex pomsta" and said it forces them to seek relief from the Constitutional Court in Brno.
TOP 09 deputy chairman Jiří Pospíšil described the move as an absurd constitutional amendment by amendment, while KDU-ČSL deputy chairman Václav Pláteník dismissed it as childish. ANO MP Helena Válková objected to the notion that the law was revenge for not appointing Filip Turk as minister.
Why it matters
It could alter the balance of power between the Czech president and government, prompting a constitutional showdown.
How this story developed
- Oct 24 Czech Parliament Approves First Reading to End TV and Radio Licence Fees
- Oct 25 The amendment was sent to the media and culture committee following its first‑reading approval.
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