Czech PM Andrej Babiš and ANO against extending state of emergency past April 30

Prague, April 22 (CTK) – Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and other ministers for his ANO do not want to prolong the current state of emergency, valid till the end of April due to the coronavirus outbreak, while Czech Social Democrat (ČSSD) ministers are for the prolongation, Babiš told the commercial television station Prima yesterday evening.

The government will deal with the disagreement among coalition partners on Thursday.

“We must present our arguments,” Babiš said.

The government has not yet decided whether to ask the Chamber of Deputies to prolong the state of emergency.

The head of the Central Crisis Staff, Interior Minister and Social Democrat leader Jan Hamáček has repeatedly said the prolongation was needed, arguing primarily with easier central purchases of protective equipment.

On Monday, Babiš asked cabinet members to create their own opinion of the issue.

It has arisen from the obtained replies that Social Democrat ministers want to prolong the state of emergency, while the ministers for ANO do not, Babiš said.

If the state of emergency is not prolonged after April 30, a number of complications may occur, Hamáček said.

Hamáček said it would not be possible to check foreigners’ entry to the country or to impose the labor duty.

The opposition is against the prolongation, while the Communists who keep Babiš’ minority government afloat, are ready to support the prolongation until May 17.

If Babiš does not want to prolong the state of emergency, it does not make sense to ask the Chamber of Deputies for it, Hamáček tweeted later today.

The Interior Ministry will give an instruction to prepare the end of the central distribution of protective equipment as of April 30.