Minister for EU Fuele to replace Spidla as EU commissioner

Fuele was nominated on the basis of a political agreement of the two strongest parties, the Civic Democrats (ODS) and the Social Democrats (CSSD), Fischer said.

On Wednesday Fischer will submit Fuele's candidacy to the lower house's committee for EU affairs.

Afterwards the cabinet will meet again to approve the sending of the nomination to European Commission President Jose Barroso.

Fischer would not comment today on what portfolio Fuele could be entrusted with as EU commissioner. He said that "competition battle" between EU countries for the most advantageous possible commissioner portfolios has culminated these days.

He said he wouldn't like to send out strong signals. The government will do its utmost for the choice of the Czech portfolio to be reasonable and favourable, Fischer said.

Fuele, who is well-known in Brussels, will also negotiate by himself, among others with Barroso, Fischer added.

"We're occupying this position seriously for the whole period of the expected mandate," Fischer said.

The other name the cabinet discussed today was Vladimir Spidla, the outgoing Czech commissioner, who was proposed to the new EC by the Social Democrats (CSSD). The two ministers nominated by the Green party today said they were ready to support Spidla in the cabinet vote.

Earlier today, nevertheless, the ODS and the CSSD reached agreement on supporting Fuele.

Member of Fischer's 17-seat caretaker cabinet are not members of any political party. Eight of them were nominated by the CSSD, six plus the prime minister by the ODS and two by the Greens.

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