Slovakia’s president rejects appointment of climate change skeptic as environment minister

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s president says she is postponing the appointment of a new Cabinet following last month’s parliamentary election because she cannot accept the nomination of a climate change skeptic as environment minister. Liberal President Zuzana Caputova says Rudolf Huliak, who was nominated by the ultranationalist and pro-Russian Slovak National Party, could not ensure the proper functioning of the ministry because he opposes the government’s long-term environmental policies and Slovakia’s international obligations. The Slovak National Party says it is not ready to nominate a new candidate instead of Huliak. Three parties have agreed to form a coalition government after none won a majority in the election.