Press Release

I regret the resignation of Mrs. Helena Třeštíková from the post of the Minister of Culture. I did and still do regard her as a lady whose moral integrity and authority in specialist and artistic circles could have greatly helped developments in this complicated department.

I do regret the very fact of her resignation just as the reasons Mrs. Helena Třeštíková has given for her decision. The outgoing Minister of Culture had absolute freedom in selecting her personnel, and no pressure was brought to bear on her in whatever direction. Mrs. Helena Tøeštíková had exercised her right to veto my recommendation concerning the appointment to the coalition post of the First Deputy Minister, a move that was naturally respected. I believed that our meeting at the end of last week had shed light on all the outstanding matters between us.

At this moment, it is up to KDU-ÈSL (Christian Democratic Union - Czechoslovak People’s Party) to propose the name of a new Minister of Culture.

Mirek Topolánek
Prime Minister Of The Czech Republic