Filip Turek, the businessman eyed as the Czech Republic’s next foreign minister, is under investigation for past racist, sexist, and homophobic posts that surfaced online.
Turek’s Controversial Background
Filip Turek, a Czech entrepreneur, influencer, former race‑car driver and former member of parliament, is the honorary chair of the Automobiles Party.
He is considered the most likely candidate for foreign affairs minister in the forthcoming government.
Past Racist and Homophobic Posts Surface
Media reports revealed that Turek previously posted openly racist, sexist and homophobic comments on social media.
He allegedly made references to Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini and commented on a 2009 arson incident that targeted Romani women, suggesting the flaring was a mitigating circumstance.
Police Investigation and Turek’s Response
Police are investigating the allegations; Turek described the publication of the posts as a “shameless attempt to discredit” him.
He also noted that the controversial content had been removed from his Facebook profile but copies reportedly remain.
Prime Minister Babis Demands Clarifications
Andrej Babis, head of the ANO party and likely prime minister, called the accusations serious and requested a meeting with Turek and Peter Macinka, leader of the Automobiles Party.
He stated that the entire matter would be discussed to consider future steps.
Coalition Government Blueprint
The new Czech coalition will comprise eight ministries, with the prime minister from ANO, four portfolios to the right‑wing Automobiles Party, and the far‑right SPD receiving three ministries and the chair of the Chamber of Deputies.
The coalition plans to appoint experts rather than career politicians, naming former deputy commander of the general staff, Jaromír Zuna, as its defence minister candidate.
Negotiations over the coalition’s policy declaration are set to begin next week, with the president Petr Pavel scheduled to appoint the new cabinet after the twelfth sitting of the Chamber of Deputies on November 3.
