Stojíme za prezidentem: Citizens’ Initiative Calls for Support of Petr Pavel at the Old Town Square

On Sunday, the citizens’ initiative Milion chvilek pro demokracii is calling for a demonstration at the Old Town Square in Prague to support President Petr Pavel in his dispute with Minister of Foreign Affairs Petr Macinka and to make a stand against political pressure.

Coming Sunday, 1 February, from 3:00 pm, a large rally will take place at the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) in Prague under the motto “We Stand Behind the President”. The citizens’ initiative Milion chvilek pro demokracii (“One Million Moments for Democracy”) is urging the public to take a stand against what it considers to be undue pressure on President Petr Pavel.

The background is the conflict between the head of state and the chairman of Motoristé sobě and Foreign Minister, Petr Macinka, over the refusal to appoint MP Filip Turek as Minister of the Environment.

The dispute between Pavel and Macinka escalated on Tuesday. Pavel stated at an extraordinary press conference that he had received text messages from Foreign Minister Petr Macinka via his adviser Petr Kolář, which he considered an attempt at blackmail. The Presidential Office published the communication between Macinka and Kolář, which related to Pavel’s refusal of Turek. Macinka, however, emphasised that he did not consider his messages blackmail and that attempts to influence political decisions are part of the normal negotiation process.

Source: Stojíme za prezidentem

Values such as freedom and democracy in focus

The organisers emphasise that their concern is the country’s security and call on the public to stand firmly behind the head of state. “It is time to show that we are many,” the statement reads.

As the organisation was arranged at short notice, it is possible that not all participants will fit on the Old Town Square. However, the organisers announced that in the event of large turnout, further actions will take place in other regions to show nationwide presence. They also plan to provide larger venues for future meetings so that all supporters have sufficient space.

The online campaign Stojíme za prezidentem, which calls for support in the conflict with Macinka, focuses on values such as freedom, democracy, respect for the law, and the Czech Republic’s anchoring in the EU and NATO – values that make the country secure and confident. As of 5:30 am today, over 409,000 people have already signed the petition, according to the website.

The organisers appeal to citizens to participate in the rally either in person or digitally and urge people not to miss the event despite the winter temperatures: “Let us show that we will not be intimidated,” the organisers said in their appeal.

Milion chvilek pro demokracii
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