Thousands gathered in Prague’s central squares on Sunday to demonstrate their support for Czech President Petr Pavel amid a growing conflict with Foreign Minister Petr Macinka over the appointment of Filip Turek as Minister of the Environment. This dispute escalated last week when President Pavel claimed that Macinka attempted to blackmail him through messages sent via his adviser.
The tensions surrounding this issue led opposition parties to push for a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Andrej Babis’s administration, scheduled for next Tuesday. In response, the civic group “Million Moments for Democracy” organized a rally in support of the president, which attracted approximately 90,000 participants. Following the successful demonstration in Prague, organizers announced plans for additional events across the country on February 15.
Pavel expressed gratitude to the demonstrators, acknowledging their commitment to decency, truth, and mutual respect. He emphasized that Czech society has the capability to advocate for the right causes decisively. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Macinka acknowledged the right of opposition supporters to voice their opinions but urged respect for the democratic process established in the recent elections.
Prime Minister Babis has encouraged both parties to resolve their differences privately, aiming to de-escalate the situation. The organization “Million Moments for Democracy” reported that a petition in support of President Pavel has garnered 600,000 signatures, reflecting significant public backing.
Despite the controversy, Macinka firmly denied any allegations of coercion against the president, asserting that his actions were not intended to pressure Pavel. The situation in the Czech government remains precarious, but the strong support for President Pavel indicates a push for greater transparency and accountability in the political landscape.