Czech president warns against populist drift after elections

During a debate with students at Harvard University, Czech President Petr Pavel acknowledged the possibility that Czechia could take a populist turn after elections, similar to Slovakia or Hungary. At the same time, he stressed that major changes in foreign policy are unlikely. “The ANO party, which is expected to win the elections, is not against the EU or NATO and understands that the only way Czechia can guarantee its security and prosperity is within these organizations,” Pavel said, while noting that the potential coalition partners of ANO do pose a risk. He said he hoped voters would understand what is at stake and that Czechia cannot afford to risk its security with a referendum that could end like Brexit, which left many Britons frustrated.