New Year’s Address: President Pavel wants to hold the new government to its promises

In his New Year’s address, President Petr Pavel called for greater confidence and composure. Trust in the state and society, he said, cannot be created by politics alone but must grow in people’s everyday lives.

In his address broadcast on Czech Television (ČT24), the Czech president stressed that he would closely monitor the work of the new government. What mattered most, he said, was that the promises announced were actually kept. At the same time, the head of state urged citizens not to be tempted by simple populism. Renewing trust in society, he added, must begin with each individual – not with politics alone.

In his third New Year’s address (CZ) since taking office, Pavel wished the new coalition of ANO, SPD and Motorists success in measures taken in the interests of citizens. He said it was right to give the government some room at the beginning.

He said he would pay particularly close attention to whether the government and ministers take decisions that could endanger democracy and its institutions, the country’s security, or its ties to the free world.

Looking back, Pavel drew an overall positive assessment of the past year. The Czech Republic, he said, had developed into one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, continued to rank among the safest countries in the world, and was one of the most generous nations in terms of donations and charitable giving. He also pointed to internationally successful scientists, sporting achievements, and examples of courage and commitment in everyday civic life.

At the same time, the president expressed regret about widespread dissatisfaction in society. Many people, he said, allowed positive developments to be overshadowed by a tendency towards pessimism. “The Czech Republic is a great country. We should have more confidence in ourselves and in one another,” he stressed. In his view, an increasing emphasis on contrasts is shaping the tone of public debate.

However, the necessary renewal of trust cannot be decreed by politicians. “It has to begin with each of us,” Pavel said. Those who rely on their own abilities will be better able to cope with future challenges. What matters, he added, is the development of a strong and authentic civil society.

In conclusion, the president appealed to citizens not to be guided by catchy slogans, but to assess developments soberly and thoughtfully. At heart, he said, everyone wants the same thing – security and a life lived with dignity.

The tradition of New Year’s addresses goes back to the first Czechoslovak president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. While he initially gave mainly New Year interviews, he later began delivering Christmas addresses. This tradition was continued by, among others, Edvard Beneš and Emil Hácha. It was Klement Gottwald who ultimately moved the address permanently to New Year’s Day. The presidents of the independent Czech Republic, Václav Havel and Václav Klaus, also delivered New Year’s speeches – interrupted only by Miloš Zeman, who chose a different date in 2013.