Final negotiations on the composition of the future government continued at Prague Castle. Czech President Petr Pavel received candidates for the posts of defence, agriculture and foreign affairs ministers. He discussed national defence with Jaromír Zůna, Czech agriculture with Martin Šebestyán and foreign policy with Petr Macinka.
On Thursday, Pavel first received Jaromír Zůna, the candidate for Minister of Defence. Both agreed on continuing to align Czech defence policy with NATO and the European Union and on fulfilling the international military commitments arising from these partnerships. The President also supported priorities relating to the modernisation of the Czech Armed Forces, strengthening personnel resources and plans to revise crisis legislation with the aim of improving the state's preparedness for emergency situations.
In a follow-up interview, the President met with Martin Šebestyán, candidate for Minister of Agriculture. Mr Šebestyán shared his views on the position of Czech agriculture within the European Union's common agricultural policy, the structure of the sector and the long-term problems facing the ministry.
Among other things, he pointed out the unfavourable ratio between exports of agricultural commodities and imports of processed products, and emphasised the need to increase domestic processing of agricultural and forestry raw materials. The President presented his priorities, which are soil protection, the development of regenerative practices, the role of farmers in landscape maintenance, and the adaptation of agriculture to climate change. They also addressed issues of subsidies and transparency in decision-making in relation to conflicts of interest.
The President then received Petr Macinka, candidate for Minister of Foreign Affairs. They discussed the security situation in Europe, strengthening relations with strategic partners in the EU and NATO, and the unity and predictability of Czech foreign policy. They also agreed that the change of government should not undermine the stability and professionalism of the foreign service.
On Monday, 8 December 2025, Pavel will also receive the remaining candidates: Ota Klempíř for Minister of Culture, Boris Šťastný for Minister of Sport, Prevention and Health, and Filip Turek for Minister of the Environment.
Castle.cz/gnews.cz - GH
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