Former NATO general
Pro-Western Pavel becomes President of Czech Republic
01/28/2023 4:22 p.m
Ex-NATO general Petr Pavl becomes Czech head of state. In the runoff election, the political career changer prevailed surprisingly clearly against the populist billionaire Babis. The pro-Western Pavel promotes “law and order” and advocates further aid to Ukraine.
Former chief of staff Petr Pavel becomes the new president of the Czech Republic. The 61-year-old – a career changer in politics – surprisingly clearly beat the populist ex-Prime Minister Andrej Babis in the decisive runoff. After counting 90 percent of the constituencies, Pavel was clearly ahead with around 57 percent of the votes. The billionaire Babis accounted for almost 43 percent. The liberal-conservative head of government, Petr Fiala, has already congratulated Pavel on his victory. At the beginning of March, the ex-military man – who used to be the chief of staff in the Czech Republic – follows current President Milos Zeman, who often polarized with controversial statements. There was a relatively high turnout of almost 70 percent.
The two opponents were ahead in the first round of voting, but could not clear the required hurdle of 50 percent and therefore faced a runoff. Polls published before the run-off election had already given Pavel a clear lead.
“Russia must lose in Ukraine”
From 2015 to 2018, Pavel became the first general from an eastern member state to chair the NATO Military Committee. During the election campaign, he promised to return “peace and order” to the Czech Republic. The Russian war against Ukraine became the dominant theme. Pavel campaigned for further support from Kiev. “Russia must lose in Ukraine – also with our help,” he emphasized.
Babis tried to portray the former paratrooper as a warmonger. He called for talks with Moscow and announced that Poland would not be supported by soldiers in the event of an attack. The current loser in the election caused irritation at home and abroad.
Observers now expect not only a generation change, but also a change in style at Prague Castle, the seat of the President. Zeman often polarized with controversial statements about migrants, Muslims and the media. “My motto is: cooperation, decency and normal communication,” announced Pavel. “I think that’s what we’ve been missing a lot in recent years.”
In the Czech Republic, the president has predominantly representative tasks, but is regarded as an important opinion leader. He appoints the government, constitutional judges and central bankers. He is also the supreme commander of the armed forces in the EU and NATO member states.