Czech President Accuses Top Euroskeptic Figure of 'Intimidation'
Pavel stated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka violated acceptable boundaries through text communications sent to a presidential assistant while seeking to overcome opposition to legislator Filip Turek's nomination.
Macinka leads the Motorists for Themselves party, a component of the governing coalition, where Turek functions as honorary president and regional director. Turek faces accusations from detractors of Nazi sympathies and was recently alleged by media outlets to have erased racist Facebook content—allegations he refutes.
"I can say for myself that I am not subject to any intimidation and I will continue to be guided primarily by the constitution and the interests of the Czech Republic," Pavel told reporters before publishing Macinka's messages.
Macinka disputed the characterization, asserting that influencing others "is the essence of every political negotiation." Within the texts, he indicated he would pursue the appointment matter and labeled Pavel's uncompromising stance an "emotional mistake," adding: "I'm not sure if he realizes that he's no longer a soldier, but a politician."
Czech Prime Minister Babis described Macinka's language "unfortunate" but maintained it did not constitute blackmail. He expressed preference for resolving disagreements behind closed doors.
Macinka announced intentions to convene with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to advocate that the Czech Republic should be represented by the prime minister, not the president, at top-level NATO summits.
The Babis government, which assumed authority in December, has reversed multiple policies favored by Pavel, including support for Ukraine against Russia. This month, Babis rejected the president's proposal to send light fighter jets to Kiev.
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