breaking news
Status: 01/28/2023 3:45 p.m
The pro-Western former NATO general Pavel becomes the new president in the Czech Republic. After counting more than 85 percent of the constituencies, he clearly prevailed against the populist ex-Prime Minister Babis.
In the Czech Republic, former chief of staff Petr Pavel has been elected as the new president. After counting more than 85 percent of the constituencies in the runoff, the pro-Western former NATO general prevailed with around 57 percent of the votes against the populist ex-Prime Minister Andrei Babis, according to the statistics agency. Babis accounted for about 43 percent.
When he voted on Friday, Pavel said he wanted to be a “worthy president”. “I will not make you any empty promises, but will describe reality as it is,” he explained.
The 61-year-old former paratrooper headed NATO’s military committee from 2015 to 2018. He is supported by the governing parties and advertises that he will “restore order” and lead the EU and NATO country Czechia with calm and experience.
Mud fight in the election campaign
The election campaign was characterized by tough arguments – with a disinformation campaign that had Pavel as its main target. Babis and his family, in turn, received death threats.
In the Czech Republic, the president has predominantly representative tasks, but is regarded as an important opinion leader. He appoints the government and the constitutional judges. He is also the supreme commander of the armed forces in the EU and NATO member state.
The previous Czech President, Milos Zeman, is stepping down at the beginning of March after ten years as head of state.
More information coming soon.