Czech Capital Sees Mass Rally in Support of President Amidst Government Standoff
PRAGUE — In a vivid display of public dissent, tens of thousands of Czech citizens flooded Prague's historic Wenceslas Square on Sunday, rallying behind President Petr Pavel as his political clash with the nationalist-led government of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babiš intensifies.
Organizers from the grassroots Million Moments for Democracy movement estimated the crowd at nearly 90,000. The sea of participants waved Czech, European Union, and Ukrainian flags, underscoring the protest's dual focus: defending democratic norms and supporting continued aid to Ukraine.
The demonstration marks the latest chapter in a power struggle that has gripped the country since last October's election. Babiš leads a fragile coalition comprising his centrist ANO party, the far-right SPD, and the right-wing Motorists party. The rift between the presidential office and the cabinet has widened over two core issues: the appointment of a controversial minister facing serious criminal allegations, and fundamental disagreements over Czech foreign policy towards Ukraine.
"We are here to show the president that he is not alone," said Alena Krotka, a pensioner who also protested on the same square against the communist regime in 1989. "The devil of dictatorship never sleeps, and we have to stay vigilant."
The immediate flashpoint is President Pavel's refusal to appoint Motorists party nominee Filip Turek as environment minister. Turek, a former MEP, is under investigation for domestic violence and rape following a complaint by a former girlfriend. Media outlets have also published past social media posts of his deemed racist and misogynistic. Police previously investigated allegations he owned Nazi paraphernalia.
"His actions raise legitimate doubts about his loyalty to the constitutional values of the Czech Republic," President Pavel stated, defending his blockade of the appointment.
In response, Motorists chairman Petr Macinka—who currently serves as both Foreign and Environment Minister—has engaged in an unprecedented confrontation. After threats of retaliation were published by the president's office last week, Macinka stated on Czech public television on Sunday that he would "ignore" President Pavel and suggested the head of state should not represent the Czech Republic at the upcoming NATO summit.
"The unprecedented blackmail of the president by Petr Macinka is absolutely unacceptable. This has no place in a democratic culture," the Million Moments for Democracy group said in a statement.
The political crisis has spurred a public petition titled "We Stand Behind the President," which has garnered over 622,000 signatures. Organizers pledge another major demonstration if signatures surpass one million.
Beyond the ministerial dispute, a fundamental foreign policy schism simmers. President Pavel, a former NATO general, supports sending four Czech-made L-159 jet fighters to Ukraine, seeing no strategic risk to Czech defense. The Babiš government, influenced by its eurosceptic and pro-Russian coalition partners, opposes further military aid to Kyiv.
The parliamentary opposition has called a vote of no confidence for next week, though Babiš's cabinet is expected to survive it. Analysts suggest the standoff is less about immediate governance and more a battle for the nation's democratic and geopolitical direction.
In a post on social media platform X, President Pavel thanked the protesters, saying he valued those "willing to stand up for decency, truth, solidarity, and mutual respect."
Voices from the Public
Marie Svobodová, 42, Teacher (Prague): "This isn't just about one minister. It's about what kind of country we want to be. Do we tolerate alleged criminals and bigots in high office? The president is upholding basic standards that the government seems eager to discard."
Jan Kovář, 58, Small Business Owner (Brno): "The government was elected. The president should respect the coalition's choices, even if they're unpopular. This constant deadlock is bad for stability and the economy. Let the process work."
Elena Tábor, 29, NGO Worker (Prague), more emotional: "What Macinka said is a disgrace! To openly say you'll 'ignore' the elected president? This is the language of autocrats, not ministers. Babiš's coalition is normalizing corruption and hatred. Sunday showed them that people are watching and won't stay silent."
Tomáš Bělohradský, 67, Political Analyst (Retired): "The rally signifies a deepening constitutional crisis. The president is using his moral and ceremonial authority to check a government pushing legal and ethical boundaries. The public mobilization is a critical democratic safeguard in this instance."