President Pavel warns against undermining trust in courts

President Petr Pavel has warned against undermining public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.

Speaking at a conference marking the publication of the European Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report, Pavel said claims that courts are biased, politicized or activist weaken public trust in the legal system.

He stressed that the rule of law cannot be taken for granted and requires constant protection.

The government announced on Monday, that it had asked the Constitutional Court to reject or dismiss President Petr Pavel's competence complaint, which in views as an effort on the president’s part to broaden his constitutional powers.

It likewise sought the recusal of judge-rapporteur Pavel Šámal, arguing that his preliminary ruling, which was in the president's favour, amounted to unprecedented judicial activism and interfered with the government's constitutional powers.

A Constitutional Court spokesperson said on Tuesday that the Court would rule in September on the government's objection alleging bias against Šámal.