Czechia, one of the countries of the former Eastern Bloc, is one of the most important states in the geopolitics of Eastern Europe. Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Czechia’s integration with the West developed rapidly, and Prague joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), respectively. In this context, the Presidential elections held in January 2023 are of great importance in terms of the candidates’ attitudes towards the country’s foreign policy.
On the other hand, it is useful to consider the duties and powers of the Presidential office in Czechia. In Czechia, the Presidency has a rather symbolic meaning. However, the President has a say in foreign policy.[1] In other words, in Czechia, the President is an important actor in influencing the foreign policy of the government.
In addition to all these, the second round of the presidential elections was held in the Czech Republic on January 27-28, 2023. The two candidates competed in the elections, with former Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Petr Pavel, former Chief of Staff and General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The presidential election was won by Pavel, who received 58.31 of the votes. Moreover, the election was the highest turnout in the history of the Czech Republic with 70.2%.[2] Therefore, this can be interpreted as a reflection of the voters’ desire for change.
On the other hand, the opinions of the candidates participating in the election about the foreign policy of the country contain clues about what kind of direction Czechia will follow in the future. Babis, who lost the presidential election, drew the ire of Poland and the Baltic states for his statements about NATO just before the elections. Babis stated that if Russia attacked Poland or the Baltic states, it would not send the Czech Army to war.[3]
Especially given that all of these states are NATO members, Babis has in a sense argued that he will not apply the requirement stipulated in the fifth article of the alliance. Because, according to the article, an attack on a NATO member state is considered to have been made to all members of the alliance. As can be understood, Babis did not paint an image that could be in harmony with the Atlantic camp in terms of the foreign policy that Prague would pursue.
In contrast, Pavel, who won the Presidential elections, argues that Czechia should act in harmony with NATO and the EU. Furthermore, Pavel is in favor of increasing financial assistance to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. However, it can be argued that Pavel’s becoming President of the Czechia could lead to a serious change. The outgoing President Milos Zeman was a name that wanted Czechia to pursue pro-Russian and pro-China policies.[4] Therefore, it can be foreseen that during Pavel’s presidency, relations with NATO and the EU may gain importance in the country’s foreign policy. Moreover, the fact that Pavel is a former Czech General who served in NATO could further enhance Prague’s alignment with the alliance. For this reason, it can be said that the Czechia will strive to pursue more active policies within NATO in the future.
On the other hand, Pavel’s victory in the elections was welcomed by the EU. Pavel is in favor of further increasing Prague’s alignment with Brussels, as well as the adoption of the euro as the Czech currency.[5] Therefore, the completion of the financial integration of the Czechia, which joined the EU in 2004, with Brussels may be experienced during Pavel’s presidency.
After being elected President, Pavel had his first telephone conversations with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as well as Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen. Pavel’s meeting with Ing-wen is quite remarkable. EU leaders have traditionally avoided direct political contact with Taiwanese officials. However, Pavel was the first elected leader of an EU member state to do so.[6]
Pavel’s move also shows which issues Czechia will prioritize in foreign policy in the future. Therefore, this situation may be a harbinger of the change of policy of the Czechia, which adheres to the “One China Principle”, regarding Taiwan. In other words, although Pavel is a pro-EU figure, it can be argued that his pro-NATO identity is more dominant. While the duo of the US and Britain in NATO advocate a more hawkish policy against China, states such as Germany and France are in favor of adopting a cautious policy.
Moreover, it can be foreseen that during Pavel’s presidency, the Czech Republic will increase its assistance to Ukraine. In this context, considering that Pavel served in NATO, it is possible that the Czechia will supply heavy weapons to Ukraine. Therefore, it can be said that the relations on the Prague-Kyiv line will gain momentum.
In conclusion, Pavel’s victory in the presidential elections in the Czechia indicates that the people want to intensify relations with the West. Therefore, during Pavel’s presidency, the Czechia’s alignment with international organizations such as the EU and NATO is expected to increase.
[1] “Pro-Western, Retired General Pavel Sweeps Czech Presidential Vote”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/czech-retired-general-aims-beat-tycoon-ex-pm-presidential-race-2023-01-27/, (Date of Accession: 04.02.2023).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Baltic States, Poland Fume at Babis’ ‘Anti-NATO’ Comments”, Euractiv, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/baltic-states-poland-fume-at-babis-anti-nato-comments/, (Date of Accession: 04.02.2023).
[4] “New Czech President Pavel to End International Isolation”, Euractiv, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/new-czech-president-pavel-to-end-international-isolation/, (Date of Accession: 04.02.2023).
[5] “New Czech President Expected to Foster EU, Ukraine Ties”, France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230129-new-czech-president-expected-to-foster-eu-ukraine-ties, (Date of Accession: 04.02.2023.)
[6] “New Czech President Risks China’s Rage With Call to Taiwanese Leaders”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/petr-pavel-czech-president-elect-taiwan-tsai-ing-wen-china-military/, (Date of Accession: 04.02.2023.)
