Czech government formation sparks resignations and outrage: What's next?

The formation of a new Czech government led by the ANO party, the far-right SPD, and the Motorists has sparked immediate controversy, with the country’s Human Rights Commissioner resigning in response to the coalition’s policy direction.

Critics say the emerging government, which agreed on a 16-member cabinet on Oct. 10, could shift the nation’s approach to human rights, environmental policy, and social inclusion, raising concerns over governance, public services, and international obligations.

Under the coalition agreement, the winning ANO party will take control of nine ministries under the new Prime minister, expected to be Andrej Babiš: Finance, Industry, Health, Labour, Education, Interior, Regional Development, and Justice.

SPD is set to take over the Defence, Agriculture, and Transport ministries, while the Motorists will control Foreign Affairs, Culture, Environment, and a new Ministry of Sport, Prevention and Health.

Expected nominees include ANO’s Alena Schillerová for Finance and Adam Vojtěch for Health, SPD’s Jiří Hynek or Jaromír Zuna for Defence, and the Motorists’ Filip Turek for Foreign Affairs and Petr Macinka for Environment. The new cabinet will not create posts for European Affairs, Legislation, or Science, Research and Innovation.

Opposition politicians have voiced strong criticism of the formation process. Civic Democratic Party deputy chairman Martin Kupka questioned the creation of a new ministry despite promises of budget savings.

Christian Democrats chairman Marek Výborný and TOP 09 leader Markéta Pekarová Adamová said the distribution of posts prior to program discussion reflected poorly on political transparency.

Pirates chairman Zdeněk Hřib highlighted concerns over nominees with extremist ties or controversial records, including individuals accused of climate scepticism, prior StB affiliation, and extremist rhetoric. “This is not just a difference of opinion; it threatens the democratic direction of the country,” Hřib said.

Klara Šimáčková Laurenciková, the current Human Rights Commissioner, announced her resignation on Friday, citing conflicting approaches to protecting vulnerable groups. She said some coalition parties oppose existing inclusion policies in education and social services, a potential shift affecting programmes for children, refugees, and minority communities.

Šimáčková Laurenciková has also coordinated support for Ukrainian refugees since 2023 and previously served as deputy minister of education. Her departure signals a broader reorientation of government priorities under the new coalition.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have warned against appointing Motorists’ Petr Macinka as Environment Minister, citing past work with coal interests and opposition to renewable energy. Analysts suggest policy changes could affect climate protection measures, air quality initiatives, and environmental funding.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounds Filip Turek, a Motorists figure considered for Foreign Affairs, who has faced criticism over alleged racist and extremist social media posts. ANO chair Andrej Babiš has announced plans to address the matter with party representatives before final appointments.

The new coalition’s priorities, including a new ministry for sport and prevention and the potential rollback of inclusion and environmental policies, could have practical effects on healthcare, education, urban planning, and public programs.

Transportation and infrastructure planning may shift under SPD’s leadership of the Transport Ministry, while foreign policy changes could influence EU relations and international trade.

"What we’re seeing is growing political polarization," Petra Vodová, assistant professor of politics at the University of Hradec Králové, tells Expats.cz. "Politics is now dominated by two opposing blocs that increasingly view each other as enemies—unwilling to compromise or even communicate—which is, of course, unhealthy for democracy."

"The winning bloc consists of ANO and the Motorists, who are more populist, pragmatic (especially ANO), and at times vague or even hostile toward the Czech Republic’s role in the EU and its support for Ukraine."

Experts also warn that uncertainty in government priorities may affect public funding, social services, and regulatory enforcement, which could influence cost of living, housing development, and community programs.

President Petr Pavel is expected to formally appoint a new prime minister after the Chamber of Deputies convenes on Nov. 3. In the coming weeks, the coalition plans to finalize ministerial nominees and outline a government program, with ongoing scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society organizations.