Babiš Moves to Sideline President Pavel at NATO Summit, Taking Macinka Instead

PM Babiš reversed his earlier position and announced he will attend the NATO summit with FM Macinka rather than President Pavel, who traditionally represents Czechia at alliance summits. Pavel told Czech Television he sees no reason to change established practice. The move deepens the constitutional friction between the government and presidency, with Babiš arguing he and Macinka would better explain Czech positions, particularly on defense spending which Pavel has criticized as insufficient.