Political developments in Prague could soon reshape Czechia’s approach to EU migration files. On 26 November President Petr Pavel reiterated that he will not approve Filip Turek—a right-wing eurosceptic accused of past Nazi gestures—for any cabinet post in the incoming ANO-led coalition. Pavel also demanded that prime-minister-designate Andrej Babiš spell out how he will resolve conflicts of interest linked to his Agrofert conglomerate before being sworn in.
![Czech President Blocks Controversial Cabinet Nominee, Signals Tougher Stance on Migration Policy]()
ANO’s coalition partners include the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD) and the Motorists party, both vocal opponents of EU migration and climate policies. Business-mobility specialists fear that if the coalition is seated without presidential safeguards, Czechia could harden its stance in EU negotiations on the Migration & Asylum Pact and resist labour-market liberalisation.
For now, the president’s resistance buys time. Companies planning intra-EU postings or relying on Czech advocacy in Brussels should track cabinet formation closely, as key ministries—especially the interior and foreign portfolios—could swing either pro-EU or eurosceptic depending on final appointments.
ANO’s coalition partners include the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD) and the Motorists party, both vocal opponents of EU migration and climate policies. Business-mobility specialists fear that if the coalition is seated without presidential safeguards, Czechia could harden its stance in EU negotiations on the Migration & Asylum Pact and resist labour-market liberalisation.
For now, the president’s resistance buys time. Companies planning intra-EU postings or relying on Czech advocacy in Brussels should track cabinet formation closely, as key ministries—especially the interior and foreign portfolios—could swing either pro-EU or eurosceptic depending on final appointments.
