Pavel: Czechia needs a government that won’t leave the country at Russia’s mercy

President Petr Pavel urged Czechs to take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections, stressing that the country needs a stable and competent government anchored in the EU and NATO. In a televised speech, he warned that Russia is seeking to restore its sphere of influence in Central and Eastern Europe and said Czechia must not be left vulnerable. While noting he will respect the election results and act strictly in line with the constitution, Pavel emphasized that safeguarding security, sovereignty, and democratic order must remain priorities. He rejected claims that the elections could bring systemic change, insisting that democracy in Czechia is firmly rooted.