Czech President Pavel in Early Power Struggle With Babis Coalition

The rupture between President Pavel and Deputy PM Macinka, barely two months into the coalition's tenure, highlights deep-seated conflict between the ANO-SPD-Motorists government and the pro-Western head of state. Pavel refused to appoint a Motorists party minister citing past offensive social media posts, prompting accusations of blackmail. The Czech Senate continues to function as an institutional brake on illiberal reforms from the coalition.