Havel remains most highly rated post-1989 Czech president, poll finds

Václav Havel remains the most highly rated Czech president since the fall of communism, according to a new poll by STEM/MARK. Václav Klaus came second, followed by incumbent President Petr Pavel, who improved slightly compared with the previous poll in May. Miloš Zeman remained fourth.

Havel has held the top position in the agency's assessments for years. Klaus was also second in the previous survey, while Pavel moved ahead of him in the autumn of 2025 before Klaus returned to second place in May.

Respondents rate Pavel positively for his public appearances, representation of the Czech Republic and promotion of Czech interests abroad. His use of presidential powers is also viewed favourably. Respondents see greater room for improvement in his ability to bring society together and resolve disputes on the Czech political scene.