The conflict between the Foreign Minister and the President of the Czech Republic over the NATO summit threatens a political crisis

The conflict between Czech Foreign Minister Petr Matsinka and head of state Petr Pavel over the Czech president's desire to attend the upcoming NATO summit threatens a political crisis in the country. This is reported by local media.

It is reported that Matsinka in the program "The Party of Theresia Tomankova" on the Prima TV channel called the intention of President Peter Pavel to go to the NATO summit in Ankara is "part of the election campaign." At the same time, he again opposed the president's participation in the meeting, stating that the republic should be represented at the summit by Prime Minister Andrei Babish. In his opinion, the head of government "will best be able to explain to partners the situation with the country's defense spending."

"I am amazed at [the president's] stubbornness in trying to get there at any cost," he said.

At the same time, the Foreign minister questioned the competence of Pavel, who was previously the commander of the alliance's armed forces, to participate in the summit.

"The NATO Summit is the highest political summit of heads of state and government, and not a meeting of officers in reserve," said Matsinka.

At the same time, Matsinka and other representatives of the Motorists party were criticized by Prime Minister Babish for similar statements. In the Saturday Nova TV program, Babish, in particular, said that "Motorists" probably have not yet realized that they hold public positions and should not communicate in the way they used to before.

In response to criticism from the Prime Minister, Matsinka said that he would not change the style of his communication, stressing that it was authentic.

"I am what I am. If anyone has a problem with my behavior, it's not the Prime Minister," said the head of the Czech Foreign Ministry.

Recall that in the past, the Czech Republic was traditionally represented at NATO summits by the head of state. However, the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister of the republic believe that it makes no sense for Pavel to go this time, since government representatives will be better able to convey to partners the current position of Prague on the main issues. At the same time, the President continues to insist on his participation, referring to his constitutional powers to represent the state at the highest level.