ČKA: Bartosz's resignation was tasteless, Kupka will handle digitalization

Prague – The Chairman of the Czech Chamber of Architects, Jan Kasl, considers the dismissal of Ivan Bartoš (Pirates) from the position of Minister for Regional Development, which was announced today by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), to be very tasteless. He conveyed this today in response to a query from ČTK. According to Kasl, cooperation with Bartoš was not ideal; he underestimated digitization, but in recent weeks he has begun to listen more to experts and respond to criticisms. Starting Wednesday, digitization will be managed by a team led by Minister of Transport Martin Kupka (ODS), who, according to Kasl, will perform well.

The chamber president criticized Bartoš primarily for weak cooperation with the professional community and for underestimating the issues related to planning and permitting processes for buildings. However, according to him, communication has improved in recent weeks. "On a human level, the manner of his dismissal by the prime minister seems very tasteless to me if he did not tell him in the morning during a personal meeting what he was planning, and at 1 PM calls a press conference, where he announces that he will propose Bartoš’s dismissal to the president by the end of the week," he stated.

Bartoš met with Fiala this morning and after the meeting told reporters that nothing is changing regarding the coalition agreement and the governmental engagement of the Pirates. However, Fiala announced at an afternoon press conference that he would propose to President Petr Pavel the dismissal of Bartoš by September 30. He explained his move by stating that Bartoš is, in his opinion, incapable of effectively managing the digitization of the building permit process.

On Sunday evening, Bartoš announced that he would step down as head of the Pirate Party and would not run for the position of chairman again. The Pirates are expected to choose his successor in November.

Starting Wednesday, digitization will be the responsibility of Kupka, who, according to Kasl, will handle the correction well, partly because he supported the Platform for a Healthy Building Law. "He will have to, otherwise the coalition will lose further voters," he added.