Miloš Zeman Defends Filip Turek: He Would Have Created a Special Post for Him
- Filip Turek
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
In recent months, a major talking point in the political sphere has been whether President Petr Pavel should appoint Filip Turek as a minister. Former head of state Miloš Zeman admitted on the show eXtra Host that he personally would have given him a chance. At the same time, he commented on the political scandals surrounding the Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
The former head of state publicly supported President Petr Pavel’s authority regarding his decision not to appoint Filip Turek as a minister. Although he respects the move, Zeman stated he would have decided differently himself, despite the scandals that have surrounded Turek in recent months. In the interview, he spoke not only about the current political situation but also about his reasoning.
Miloš Zeman on Turek’s Appointment
While Zeman would have appointed Turek himself, he emphasized that according to the Constitution, the President has the full right to reject a Prime Minister's proposal. "And those who tear up the Constitution probably haven't read it beforehand. There is a sentence stating that the President appoints based on the Prime Minister's proposal. In the Czech language, the word 'proposal' is absolutely unambiguous. You can either accept a proposal or reject it," he explained. In this context, he recalled the late former President Václav Havel: "Havel correctly used to say: 'I am not a signature machine.' Well, and I tried not to be a signature machine either."
Zeman even met with Turek, though they did not discuss the potential lawsuit the MEP intended to file against the current President: "That is the business of every citizen." The former head of state also noted that he perceives Turek as a politician with potential. "He has gained certain experience in the European Parliament, where he served on the Committee on the Environment. He will, of course, have to keep learning, but we all learn, so he is no exception," Zeman said.
The former president also considers it important that Turek can appeal to the younger generation. He summarized his stance clearly: "If I were in Petr Pavel's place, I would have appointed him and given him the opportunity to show what he can do."
Miloš Zeman on Turek’s Scandals
A series of scandals has emerged around Filip Turek in recent months. These include allegations of sexual assault by a former partner—which he has strongly denied—racist and hateful remarks (particularly regarding the victim of a 2009 arson attack, Natálie Siváková), and images of Nazi salutes and symbols. Zeman addressed these controversies as well. "Look, he himself said it was youthful stupidity. I haven't seen it myself. I know that you can easily forge a screenshot," he stated.
Zeman also emphasized that Turek denies some of the accusations: "Turek himself claims that some of those statements, for example about the burned Roma girl, were not his." However, he admitted that if the controversial statements were confirmed, it would be a serious matter: "If it were true, then that would indeed be worth reconsidering... But Filip Turek vehemently denies it. And now the question is how you verify the truth or falsehood of such a statement." Although Zeman said he wouldn't react that way himself, he maintains a certain level of tolerance: "Regarding reactions made in the heat of the moment—especially if the politician is a woman—there is double the tolerance," Zeman concluded.
Source: eXtra.cz
