Czech president addresses nation ahead of government formation, mentions Russia
Photo: Petr Pavel, President of Czechia (Getty Images)
Czech President Petr Pavel addressed citizens ahead of the parliamentary elections, urging them to choose a government that will defend the country’s sovereignty, according to Czech Television.
Pavel emphasized that "a lot is at stake" in the upcoming Czech parliamentary elections, citing the "deteriorating security situation in Europe and the world" and a "gradual loss of confidence."
The Czech leader noted that the country needs a government that will ensure its security based on membership in the European Union and NATO.
"We need a government that will defend our sovereignty within the community of democratic nations and will not leave us at the mercy of Russia and its ambition to restore a sphere of influence in Central and Eastern Europe," he stressed.
According to Pavel, such developments would have a significant impact on the Czech Republic’s freedom, security, and economic well-being.
Elections to the lower house of the Czech parliament are scheduled for October 3–4.
Earlier, Czech analysts from Online Risk Labs identified 286 anonymous TikTok accounts spreading pro-Russian narratives and supporting radical parties ahead of the elections.
They reported that these accounts receive 5–9 million weekly views, exceeding the combined reach of major party leaders.
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, there is a high likelihood of victory for the populist ANO (Yes) party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who could return to lead the government if his party wins.
