PRAGUE — Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized on Sunday the importance of maintaining a strong pro-NATO and pro-EU position, along with the protection of democratic institutions, as vital criteria for selecting the next prime minister and Cabinet. This statement comes following a significant electoral victory by right-wing populist Andrej Babiš and his ANO party in the recent parliamentary elections.
Pavel noted that it is currently “premature” to discuss potential candidates for forming the new government. During a press conference held at Prague Castle, he stated, “There are certain priorities that I will continue to emphasize. The main one is a pro-Western direction for our country, that is, remaining in the EU and NATO.”
Cabinet formation priorities
In an earlier appearance on the Bruselský diktát podcast, Pavel made it clear that he would not appoint any ministers advocating for Czechia’s exit from NATO or the EU. He elaborated on his priorities, which include the preservation of democratic institutions. “These institutions encompass public service media, public universities, the independence of security services, as well as the judiciary and prosecutors’ offices,” Pavel remarked. He assured journalists that these factors would be crucial in his discussions regarding the formation of a new government.
Pavel convened with several party leaders on Sunday whose parties secured seats in the Czech parliament’s lower house during the elections dominated by Babiš’s right-wing ANO party. He is set to meet with additional party leaders on Monday. “It’s still too early to discuss a mandate to form a government,” he remarked. “It will only make sense to discuss this once there’s a clearer outline of a government that could realistically secure the support of the Chamber of Deputies. And we’re not there yet,” he added, indicating that the inaugural session of the new Cabinet is expected to take place in November.
Constitutional role of the president
In Czechia, the president plays a significant constitutional role, engaging with party leaders after elections to explore potential coalitions. Typically, the winning party is granted the first opportunity to form a government; however, the president ultimately decides who is entrusted with this task, selecting a leader deemed most likely to achieve a majority in the 200-seat lower chamber of parliament.
Once a government with at least a 101-seat majority is established, the president appoints the prime minister and ministers. Nevertheless, the new government must still secure a vote of confidence from the parliament. Following his electoral success, Babiš expressed his intention to establish a minority government supported by the right-wing populist Motorists for Themselves and the far-right Freedom and Democracy (SPD) parties.
Pavel previously mentioned that he is consulting with legal advisors regarding the potential conflict of interest arising from Babiš’s extensive agriculture empire, Agrofert. He revealed that he had discussed this issue directly with Babiš, noting, “Andrej Babiš confirmed … that if he is given the mandate to form a government and is appointed, he will resolve the conflict of interest in accordance with the law.” Pavel assured that various options had been presented to him but refrained from providing further comments until the situation becomes clearer.