The World Briefly

January 31, 2023

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Czech Republic

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Czech retired general Petr Pavel won the country’s presidential runoff this week by a landslide, in a vote overshadowed by disputes related to the Ukraine war, the Guardian reported.

Results showed that pro-Western Pavel secured more than 58 percent of the vote against his populist rival, former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who won just less than 42 percent.

Pavel’s victory came after an election campaign that many considered divisive.

Babiš accused Pavel – who was NATO’s second-in-command – of being a warmonger over his support for military aid for Ukraine. The populist leader and business tycoon also questioned NATO’s collective security arrangements by saying he would never send Czech troops to Poland – a fellow member of the military alliance – if it was attacked.

Pavel will replace incumbent Miloš Zeman, who steps down in March at the end of his second term. Critics have accused the outgoing leader – who endorsed Babiš – of being divisive and attempting to meddle in politics beyond his constitutional powers.

As president, Pavel will have the power to appoint the members of the judiciary and central bank. He also has the prerogative to choose prime ministers in the wake of elections.

Meanwhile, analysts noted that Babiš’ defeat raises further doubts about his future in Czech politics, despite his pledges to lead his ANO party during the 2025 parliamentary elections.

This story originally appeared in the January 31, 2023 newsletter, Silent Gestures.