On Sunday, February 15, mass rallies in support of President Petr Pavel took place across the Czech Republic. According to organizers, demonstrations took place in more than 400 cities and towns across the country, from major regional centers to small communities.
The protests were initiated by the civic movement “Million Moments for Democracy” (Milion chvilek pro demokracii). The protests were a follow-up to a large demonstration in Prague on February 1, where, according to organizers, between 80,000 and 90,000 people gathered.
The largest rallies took place in Brno, Ostrava, Olomouc, Pilsen, České Budějovice, Pardubice, Karlovy Vary, and other cities. Participants carried Czech, European, NATO, and Ukrainian flags, as well as posters with slogans defending democracy, a pro-Western course, and the independence of institutions.
The wave of protests was sparked by a heated political conflict between President Pavel and the government coalition, specifically with Foreign Minister and leader of the Motorists for Ourselves (Motoristé sobě) party Petr Macinka, as well as the party’s honorary chairman, Filip Turk. The president refused to appoint the proposed candidate for Environment Minister, leading to mutual accusations of blackmail and pressure.
“This isn’t just about the president anymore. It’s about the path the Czech Republic will take,” said the movement’s chairman, Mikołáš Mynář.
The organizers also reported that the petition in support of the president has already collected over 800,000 signatures, and the collection is ongoing. The movement has announced preparations for a new major protest, scheduled for March 21 at Letná Square in Prague.
Political scientists note that the current events have become one of the largest manifestations of civic activism in the Czech Republic in recent years and reflect the deep divide in society between pro-Western democratic forces and right-wing populist movements.
