Czech President Petr Pavel Rejects Riding Motorcycle to NATO Summit

President Petr Pavel told a Czech audience that travelling to the NATO summit in Ankara on his motorcycle would be "trolling" and would not preserve the dignity of the office. He said he finds the idea amusing but will not pursue it, emphasizing the need for a reasonable compromise with the government over his attendance.

Pavel also reiterated that the decision on his travel rests on constitutional practice and that any change imposed by force would breach established customs. The discussion highlighted a dispute with foreign minister Petr Macinka, who argues that foreign policy matters, including summit participation, are the prerogative of the government rather than the president.