Following nearly two months of debate, the Czech government nominated Regional Development Minister Věra Jourová for a seat on the European Commission this week. The decision came after Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka’s Social Democrats (ČSSD) finally agreed to support Jourová, a member of the ANO party, headed by Finance Minister Andrej Babiš.
“My consultations with the next president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, in Brussels last week indicated that the Czech Republic would have a better negotiating position for a strong portfolio if we nominate a woman,” Sobotka was quoted as saying by Radio Praha. “It was made clear that the new European Commission might have problems winning support from the European Parliament if it had fewer women in its ranks than the outgoing one – that is, fewer than nine. So countries that nominate women will have a bigger chance of getting more important portfolios.” The government is hoping Jourová will be able to take on the regional policy, transport or industry portfolios if her nomination is approved.
In exchange for ČSSD’s support, ANO agreed to back a CZK 750m increase in social service funding as well as a minimum wage hike.
