Tens of thousands of Czechs gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square on Sunday to show strong support for President Petr Pavel amid a deepening political dispute with the newly formed coalition government. The large demonstration, organised by the civic group Million Moments for Democracy, highlighted public frustration with the government’s attempt to install a controversial minister whom Pavel has refused to approve.
The dispute centres on President Pavel’s rejection of Filip Turek — nominated by coalition partner and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka — for the role of environment minister. Turek’s past actions, including performing a Nazi salute and sharing extremist imagery, have drawn widespread criticism. Pavel has accused Macinka of attempting to pressure him over the appointment, escalating tensions between the largely pro-EU president and the eurosceptic coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis.
Organisers estimated attendance at between 80,000 and 90,000 people, with crowds waving Czech, EU and Ukrainian flags and holding signs in support of democratic values. Several smaller rallies took place in other Czech cities as part of nationwide shows of backing for the head of state. The organisers also launched a petition calling on citizens to stand behind Pavel’s stance, which had gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures by Sunday evening.
Supporters said the turnout underscored broad public concern about the direction of Czech politics and the balance of power between the presidency and government. news as reported
