Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš clashes with President Petr Pavel over NATO summit delegation

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and President Petr Pavel are in an open dispute over who will represent the Czech Republic at the NATO summit in July in Turkey. Babiš argues that the president should not be part of the official government delegation, claiming it breaches security protocols, and insists he will lead the delegation together with Foreign Minister Petr Macek. Pavel, a former NATO general, cites the Czech constitution, which states the president represents the state in foreign affairs, and has offered to cover his own travel costs.

Babiš has said his government will file a constitutional lawsuit to determine the proper authority. NATO officials noted that the choice of delegation leader is an internal matter for each member state. A recent poll showed 57% of Czech citizens favor Babiš attending, while 47% support Pavel. Meanwhile, the defence ministry announced an urgent €822 million increase in the military budget to meet NATO spending targets. The conflict stems from personal and political tensions dating back to the 2023 presidential election in which Pavel defeated Babiš.