Czech President takes government to court over NATO summit representation

Czech President Petr Pavel has escalated a dispute with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's government by appealing to the Constitutional Court. Pavel seeks a ruling to prevent the government from obstructing his constitutional right to represent the Czech Republic at NATO summits, a role traditionally held by the president.

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We are not counting on Petr Pavel.

Pavel, a former NATO general, has represented the country at three summits during his term and expected to do so again at the upcoming Ankara summit in July. He bases his claim on the constitution, which states the president represents the Czech Republic "externally." However, the government unanimously decided on Monday that the delegation to Turkey would consist solely of Prime Minister Babiš, Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, and Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna.

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He cited "practical reasons" for this. In Ankara, it is about, among other things, the defense efforts of individual NATO members. The Czech Republic has not yet met the requirements.

Prime Minister Babiš cited "practical reasons" for Pavel's exclusion, stating that discussions in Ankara would focus on individual NATO members' defense efforts, an area where the Czech Republic is reportedly falling short. Babiš asserted that since foreign and security policy is "exclusively determined by the government," it is the government's responsibility to address these issues in Ankara. This stance appears to stem from concerns within the government that Pavel's public criticism of their "insufficient efforts" to meet NATO commitments could undermine their position.

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However, since foreign and security policy is "exclusively determined by the government," it is also "solely the government's responsibility" to justify this in Ankara and take responsibility.

Commentators, however, point to a different motive: a "revenge campaign" by Foreign Minister Macinka. Macinka was reportedly angered by Pavel's refusal to appoint Filip Turek, the "honorary chairman" of Macinka's party and a figure known for past admiration of Adolf Hitler, as a minister. Macinka has since allegedly been working to undermine the president. Babiš reportedly followed Macinka's lead, as his coalition partner is essential for his government's stability. Babiš previously accused Pavel of exceeding his authority by not appointing Turek.

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He described the government's step as an "overstepping of his powers."