Tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in Prague on Sunday (1 February) in support of President Petr Pavel, amid a deepening dispute with Foreign Minister Petr Macinka over cabinet appointments.
The standoff centres on Pavel’s refusal to appoint Filip Turek as environment minister, citing concerns over his conduct and adherence to constitutional values. Pavel last week accused Macinka of attempted blackmail, publishing messages he said were intended to pressure the presidency.
Key developments:
• Organisers estimated 80,000–90,000 attendees; police gave no official figure.
• Million Moments for Democracy condemned what it called “unprecedented” pressure on the president.
• Macinka, who also holds the environment portfolio, described the messages as routine political negotiation.
Pavel has reiterated support for democratic norms and continued backing of Ukraine, contrasting with the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
ℹ️ DW News
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