President Pavel wishes new government success, pledges to guard democracy

In his third New Year address since taking office, President Petr Pavel wished the ANO–SPD–Motorists government success in fulfilling its policy program. He said it was right to give the cabinet space at the start of its mandate, but made it clear that he would closely monitor its progress and weigh up whether its actions did not threaten democracy and its institutions, security, or the country’s ties with the free world.

President Pavel noted that the Czech Republic has a great deal to be proud of. Last year the country ranked among the fastest-growing economies in Europe, it remains one of the safest countries in the world and is also among the most generous nations in terms of charity and philanthropy. The president also praised Czech scientists who have achieved global success, for example in physics and biochemistry, Czech athletes, and examples of courage in civic life.

President Pavel furhter said he was concerned about divisions in society and urged citizens to work on rebuilding trust.

Mr. Pavel appealed to Czechs to resist populist rhetoric and to lift their eyes from the extremes they see daily on social media. He said that if people look at public affairs more thoughtfully, they will see that we all want similar things: decency, accessible healthcare, security, quality schools and a dignified life. He added that the overlap in these goals is so broad that it makes no sense for discord to become the country’s defining motto.