Babiš and Pavel have been in conflict for years, especially regarding defense policy, with tensions escalating after Babiš resumed power in 2025. The prime minister, a self-professed Trump admirer, and the president, a pro-Western ex-NATO military leader, have frequently disagreed on various matters, including democratic principles and Babiš’s ongoing business conflict-of-interest issues.
A key dispute still unresolved is who will represent Czechia at NATO’s summit in Ankara in early July. Babiš claims the president should not join the official government delegation, despite Pavel attending all NATO summits since becoming president in 2023.
The Czech government plans to make a decision on June 8.
“I have proposed a compromise. I hope it will be recognized and agreed upon,” he told POLITICO Speakeasy. When asked if he would pursue legal action if barred from attending, the Czech president responded: “I think it will be necessary to protect the Constitution. I cannot permit a reduction in the constitutional powers of a president.”
Regarding Czech defense policy, the leaders also differ on Ukraine aid and military spending. Although Babiš has often dismissed Pavel’s concerns and emphasized the government’s authority in these areas, he has recently made concessions, allowing the president some victories.
Initially, the prime minister intended to reduce core defense spending to about 1.8 percent of GDP, despite Prague’s commitment to reach 3.5 percent by 2035 at the NATO summit in The Hague last year. However, Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna announced earlier this month that the Czech Republic would increase the defense budget by CZK 20 billion (€822 million) before the NATO summit. Prague might even sell the state explosives manufacturer Explosia to boost military investment, Reuters reported.
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