PM angered by president’s reaction to justice minister’s resignation

President Zeman’s claim that he was surprised by the resignation of Justice Minister Helena Válková earlier this week, and the suggestion that he might not accept it, has angered Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka. Mr. Sobotka said on Friday that should the president refuse to accept Ms. Válková’s resignation he would dismiss her from office. Deputy Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who is Ms. Válková’s party boss, has also expressed surprise over the president’s words, saying he had personally discussed the change of guard with him and hoped that the head of state would respect the agreement reached.