Czech Constitutional Court orders government to include President Pavel in NATO summit delegation

The Czech Constitutional Court announced on Wednesday that, through a preliminary injunction, it has ordered the government to include President Petr Pavel in the Czech delegation to the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.

Judge Pavel Samal said that the injunction is a provisional measure to ensure Pavel does not miss the ⁠July summit and does not prejudge a final decision in the case, expected at a later date, on the limits of presidential authority.

The court also stressed that the decision does not mean the government is subordinate to the president in the conduct of foreign policy.

President Petr Pavel welcomed the Constitutional Court's preliminary injunction, saying it reflects established practice and ensures continuity in the representation of the Czech Republic at the NATO summit.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said on X that he respects the court's decision.

The Constitutional Court's decision marks the culmination of a long-running dispute between the president and the government over whether Mr. Pavel should attend the summit. The government argues that crucial decisions will be made in Ankara and that it is the government that determines foreign and defense policy. Pavel counters that as head of state it is his right and duty to represent the country abroad.