In the buildings of the ministries, there could be museums, Babiš believes

Prague - The government quarter that new Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) wants to build makes sense due to savings, for example on energy or rent. Buildings from some ministries, such as the Ministry for Regional Development in Old Town Square or the Ministry of Culture in Malá Strana, could serve as museums and galleries, according to him. He told journalists this after a meeting where the new minority cabinet adopted a proposal for a program statement.

Babiš spoke about the plan earlier in the day when introducing individual ministers to their offices. In the evening, he reminded reporters that he had already worked on the proposal as Minister of Finance. According to him, the offices pay 400 million crowns a year for commercial rent in the capital, adding that Prague has been experiencing a long-term shortage of office space. "Such a government quarter makes a lot of sense; there are huge synergies in terms of energy, management," he stated. Discussions with the capital have progressed in this direction, according to Babiš, who believes the state needs the city to take over some buildings.

Babiš takes inspiration from Paris, where he has previously discussed the consolidation of government offices with current President Emmanuel Macron.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Brabec (ANO) told reporters before the meeting that until now, the resistance of officials who do not want to move has always won out. According to Babiš's plans, a new quarter could rise in Holešovice or Bubny. Minister of Transport Dan Ťok would not be opposed to the relocation, although he admitted that leaving the current headquarters with a long history would be difficult for him. Minister of Industry and Trade Tomáš Hüner, who is a newcomer to the government unlike Brabec and Ťok, was rather indifferent, referring to the fact that he comes from Havířov.