On Monday, leaders of the three parties of the SPOLU (Together) coalition – ODS, KDU-ČSL, and TOP 09 – and Pirates and Mayors and Independents (STAN) signed a government coalition agreement in the Chamber of Deputies. They agreed on the document last week, and they planned the ceremonial signing on the day of the inaugural meeting of the Chamber of Deputies, which was on Nov. 8. The 18-member government will be chaired by the head of the Civic Democrats (ODS), Petr Fiala.
According to Fiala, the new government will have to quickly resolve the problems plaguing Czechia and lead the country out of the health, economic, and value crisis.
“In addition to short-term tasks, we also have systemic changes ahead that will move the Czech Republic forward,” he told reporters before signing the agreement, adding that the state must do better with money management, building apartments and roads, and giving the young generation a better perspective.
Chairwoman of TOP 09 Markéta Pekarová Adamová stated that the coalition wants to curb the country’s debt and clearly declare that Czechia will lean towards the West and NATO.
Marian Jurečka, the chairman of Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL), then emphasized that the government will focus on supporting families and on improving the atmosphere in society.
Pirates chairman Ivan Bartoš reiterated that the coalitions promised voters a future in a democratic government “without oligarchs.” Mayors and Independents (STAN) chairman Vít Rakušan then added that the new government has noticed the demand for an educated society and clear inclination to the West.
According to Fiala, the inaugural meeting of the Chamber of Deputies could end this week, after which the government of Andrej Babiš will resign, and Fiala’s talks with President Miloš Zeman should follow.
During his time in the office, Fiala, formerly a political scientist, wants to get inspiration from the past.
“We must return to discussions and listening to opinions that we may not agree with,” Fiala said, noting that aggression, instead of a discussion, has so far divided society, which has been inefficient.
