Fiala backs Pavel, says second round vote battle over values

The Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala, has called on the public to support ex-Czech Army chief of staff Petr Pavel in the second round of elections to the presidency.

Mr. Fiala said the election run-off in two weeks’ time was a battle of values, between democracy, respect for the constitution and pro-Western orientation, referring to Mr. Pavel, and populism, lies and pro-Russian tendencies, a swipe at Mr. Babiš.

The PM said the government would not actively take part in Mr. Pavel’s campaign.

Prior to the elections the Together group in the government coalition, of which Mr. Fiala is a member, said it favoured Mr. Pavel, Danuše Nerudová and Pavel Fischer.