In his second New Year’s address as President, Petr Pavel emphasized the significance of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the state of the Czech economy, and the potential benefits of adopting the euro. Coalition politicians welcomed the speech’s optimistic tone, while opposition figures criticized its lack of government critique and focus on European integration. Call for a Visionary Government President Pavel underscored the importance of electing a government committed to ensuring the Czech Republic remains a safe and free nation, with robust laws and a fair environment for both citizens and businesses. He lamented the growing reliance on political marketing, stating that even fundamental terms like “peace” are now manipulated for rhetorical gain. Despite acknowledging some economic challenges, Pavel maintained that the country’s overall condition is not as dire as portrayed by negative narratives. He also reiterated his support for adopting the euro, though indirectly, by suggesting that aligning with the European currency would bolster the nation’s long-term prosperity. Coalition Politicians Praise the Speech Prime Minister Petr Fiala described the speech as dignified, statesmanlike, and unifying, commending the alignment between his government and the president’s positive vision for the future. Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Chair of TOP 09 and the Chamber of Deputies, praised the address’s constructive tone, a sentiment echoed by People’s Party Chairman Marek Výborný and STAN leader Vít Rakušan, who appreciated Pavel’s call to reduce regional disparities. Opposition Voices Criticism The opposition was less enthusiastic. Karel Havlíček, ANO’s first vice-chairman, agreed with Pavel’s call to combat misinformation but suggested the speech lacked substantive critique of the government. SPD leader Tomio Okamura dismissed the address as out of touch with reality, while Senator Róbert Šlachta of the Oath movement criticized Pavel for promoting euro adoption in the New Year’s speech. Other opposition leaders, including Zdeněk Hřib of the Pirates and Kateřina Konečná of KSČM, challenged Pavel’s assertion that the economic situation is stable, pointing to slow wage growth and other persistent issues. Political scientists, meanwhile, characterized the speech as unsurprising, noting its emphasis on positivity but highlighting a perceived lack of concrete solutions after nearly two years in office. Political Leaders React on Social Media The New Year also saw responses from key political figures on social media. Prime Minister Fiala framed 2025 as a decisive year, urging voters to choose a path aligned with democratic Western values rather than a return to “chaos” and alignment with the East. Former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, leader of ANO, labeled 2025 a turning point and vowed to end what he described as the “incompetent and antisocial” government of Petr Fiala. Pirate Party leader Zdeněk Hřib emphasized the need to address critical issues like affordable housing, low wages, and educational reforms. Looking Ahead to 2025 As the Czech Republic enters an election year, Pavel’s speech set the tone for a debate on the country’s future direction. While coalition leaders embraced his vision of optimism and progress, opposition figures underscored unresolved challenges, making it clear that the road to the autumn elections will be marked by significant political discourse. Source: CTK