In the latest twist to an already twisted drama playing out at the Education Ministry, Czech language media is now reporting the anticipated appointment of controversial figure Ladislav Bátora has now been downgraded from Deputy Minister to Economic Advisor.
Many have misgivings about Bátora’s appointment to an influential Ministry post because of his past involvement with the National Party (Národní strana), which included an unsuccessful bid for parliament in 2006. The National Party has been criticized for having extreme positions, especially with regard to Roma.
The Czech language daily Pravo says they have it on good authority that Minister Dobeš will announce the appointment of Bátora on April 1. The minister told the daily he would make the announcement that day and that it “will not be an April Fool’s joke.”
At a time when Dobeš is has convinced most Roma rights activists of his complete disinterest in moving forward with a plan to integrate schools, it’s hard to tell what kind of message he wants to send with the appointment of a figure like Bátora, if the media reports are correct. Even though at this point it is unclear what Bátora is guilty of other than association with an extreme party, it is also unclear what kind of expertise he could offer to the Education Ministry. And it wouldn’t be the first time Dobeš’s Ministry has been accused of shunning experts and engaging in cronyism. Read about other recent scandals at the Ministry here.
Even before April Fools’ Day, antics like these make the Ministry look like a big joke.
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