{"id":23244,"date":"2022-12-14T09:03:26","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T09:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kedisa.gr\/the-upcoming-presidential-election-in-the-czech-republic-january-2023\/"},"modified":"2026-01-21T22:31:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T22:31:29","slug":"the-upcoming-presidential-election-in-the-czech-republic-january-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kedisa.gr\/en\/the-upcoming-presidential-election-in-the-czech-republic-january-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"The upcoming presidential election in the Czech Republic (January 2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Sara Sivkova, Analyst KEDISA<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the start of the new year on January 13th and 14th 2023, the presidential election will be held in the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia). It is only the third direct presidential election to be held since 2013, when it replaced the indirect vote. The upcoming presidential election is expected to be a heated battle between nine (9) divergent candidates. According to the leading polling agencies such as POLITICO and Median, the pre-election polls of the next year\u2019s presidential election are slightly in favour of Petr Pavel, followed by Andrej Babi\u0161 and Danu\u0161e Nerudov\u00e1. However, just like with the relatively recent parliamentary pre-election polls, the results might not be so easy to predict. The outcome of the presidential election might differ in the second round, which will be held two weeks after the first one. This second round will be between the two candidates most successful in the first round.<\/p>\n

As I mentioned in my previous article on the forthcoming parliamentary election in the Czech Republic (8-9 October 2021)[1]<\/a>, the Czech Republic is a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic, therefore the head of government is the Prime minister, and the president is a formal head of state with limited powers and more representative nature. As stated in the Constitution of the Czech Republic, the president\u2019s executive power is to appoint and dismiss the Prime minister, members of the Cabinet, president and vice president of the Supreme Audit Office, judges and ambassadors. Additionally, the president is responsible for signing laws, ratifying international treaties, granting amnesty, and representing the state abroad. Even though the scope of presidential powers is meant to be as limited as possible in order not to disrupt the government, the current president Milo\u0161 Zeman\u2019s presidency was the subject of many controversies, such as his show of preference for specific political parties, the refusal to appoint a coalition of political parties in favour of single party, refusal to appoint specific judges and professors or his decision to give honours to certain highly controversial individuals.<\/p>\n

The conditions to become a candidate for the presidential office in Czechia are to gather either at least 50,000 signatures from citizens, a signed support of 10 senators, or 20 members of the parliament. Another significant requirement is for candidates to file their applications with said signatures at least 66 days before the election is held. Afterwards, the Ministry of Interior verifies that all conditions were met. Initially, there were around twenty one (21) candidates for the presidency but after the verification process, only nine (9) were allowed to enter the race. The previously mentioned parliamentary election actually cost few candidates their chance, as they handed in signatures from parliament members who since they lost their seats, they rendered their signatures invalid. Below are listed the five most likely winning candidates.<\/p>\n

According to the polls, Petr Pavel is perceived as one of the most probable candidates to be the next president. Nowadays Petr Pavel is a retired Army General, in the past he was the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee during 2015-2018 and Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army before that. He has a long history of serving in the Czech Army which gives him high support for his previous affiliation with the military. Though there are some problematic parts of his military past that were brought to light during his candidacy such as membership in the Cold War era of the ruling Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. This kind of involvement was perceived as a must to pursue the military carrier during the communist party rule in Czechoslovakia. Therefore, it is no surprise that some other candidates would use this controversial part of his past to hinder his candidacy. Mr Pavel\u2019s lax approach to these accusations makes him lose some of his voter\u2019s support. On the other hand, Mr Pavel is by most of his voters perceived as a person with great experience in international politics and military leadership. In his campaign, he puts emphasis on foreign policy, independent energy sector, innovative economics, a healthy environment and education. His approach resonates with many voters that are looking for a more stable and less provocative presidential figure. He is an independent candidate, nonetheless, he was able to gain support (although not exclusive) from political parties such as ODS, KDU-\u010cSL and TOP 09 and is supported by their ruling coalition SPOLU.<\/p>\n

Andrej Babi\u0161, the former Prime minister and leader of the political party ANO is known for his controversial legacy in Czech politics. According, to the Forbes agency he is considered to be one of the richest men in the Czech Republic. However, most of his political career was accompanied by his conflict of interests due to his association with the Agrofert holding. During his previous campaigns, Mr Babi\u0161 was using mostly populist rhetoric with the intent to be in opposition to the current government with slogans such as \u201cIt was better with Babi\u0161!\u201d (\u201cZa Babi\u0161e bylo l\u00edp\u201d), which he is re-using for the presidential race. His political agenda focuses on financial policies (the pensions and the energy crisis) and \u201cspeaking for the average Joe\u201d. While most of the candidates decided to announce their candidacy in early autumn, Mr Babi\u0161 did so in the last minute on 30th<\/sup> October 2022. Some political analysts, such as Petr Just, point out that Mr Babi\u0161\u2019 candidacy might have another ulterior motive behind it. Mr Just in his interview for Radio Prague International suggests that a pretext here is Mr Babi\u0161\u2019 need for political immunity in order to avoid the on-going criminal investigation into his business activities. Similarly, to Donald Trump in the USA, Andrej Babi\u0161 identifies himself with the will of the people (mostly retired and lower-middle class) and he is appealing to those voters who are not happy with the establishment and on whose door is the energy crisis knocking the loudest.<\/p>\n

The main trio is completed by Danu\u0161e Nerudov\u00e1, an economist and a former head of the Mendel University. Mrs Nerudov\u00e1 is an independent candidate that is also supported by the SPOLU coalition. She aims to address the economic crisis, climate change and her objective is renewing the dignity of all people. She stated in interview for the economic magazine E15, that she aims to be the president for all, including the people from the margins of society. As an economist, she focuses on financial policies and her main interest is to review state spending and pensions. According to the latest polls Mrs Nerudov\u00e1 is leading the presidential race. If elected she would be the first female president in the history of the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n

Josef St\u0159edula is the president of the Bohemian-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions since 2014. He is focusing his campaign on leftist rhetoric. He is known to the public due to his involvement in unions and his strict approach towards labour policies. Recently, he took part in the demonstrations of unions that aimed to promote more benevolent financial policies to support entrepreneurs and to secure social benefits. However, this action could significantly jeopardise his run for the presidency as most of his electorate does not approve such behaviour. St\u0159edula builds his campaign around social policies and European integration in order to \u201cmake the Czech Republic the center of Europe\u201d. He is supported by the \u010cSSD (The Czech Social Democratic Party) and by the current president Milo\u0161 Zeman.<\/p>\n

Pavel Fischer, a senator for Prague 12 is not new to the presidential race. This is his second candidacy for the office. During his first attempt he ended third with 10.24% of votes in his favour. He was the one to announce his candidacy back in November 2018. In his political campaign, he is focused on foreign politics, especially the relations with NATO and the USA, and energy issues. He is an independent candidate who is supported by political parties such as ODS, KDU-\u010cSL, TOP 09 and STAN.<\/p>\n

Among these presidential candidates are some who are more likely to follow the path of their predecessor such as Andrej Babi\u0161, who, if elected, is expected to polarise society and cause potential discrepancy within the government. On the other hand, most candidates are following a different path from Milo\u0161 Zeman and, at least in their speeches, they vow to be less controversial and obstructive if elected. As many voters are biding their time and waiting for the second round to participate, the pre-election polls indicate the first round of the presidential election would favour Andrej Babi\u0161. That is due to Babi\u0161\u2019 electorate being highly politically active. Therefore, the first round is most likely to determine who will be the challenger for Andrej Babi\u0161, whereas the second round is expected to mobilise voters whose main interest is to deter Andrej Babi\u0161 from becoming the next Czech president.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Endnotes<\/strong><\/p>\n

[1]<\/a>The forthcoming parliamentary election in the Czech Republic (8-9 October 2021), KEDISA \u2013 Center for International Strategic Analyses, October 6, 2021, by S\u00edvkov\u00e1 S\u00e1ra, https:\/\/kedisa.gr\/en\/the-forthcoming-parliamentary-election-in-the-czech-republic-8-9-october-2021\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n

Czech Republic \u2013 2023 presidential election, POLITICO, https:\/\/www.politico.eu\/europe-poll-of-polls\/czech-republic\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Danu\u0161e Nerudov\u00e1 enters Czech presidential race, expats.cz, by Ioana Caloianu, 14\/10\/2022, https:\/\/www.expats.cz\/czech-news\/article\/danuse-nerudova-enters-the-presidential-race<\/a><\/p>\n

Danu\u0161e Nerudov\u00e1: Programme, opinions and her candidacy for president, (Danu\u0161e Nerudova prezidentsk\u00e1 kandidatura), E15, by Dominika Odv\u00e1rkov\u00e1, 23\/11\/2022, https:\/\/www.e15.cz\/danuse-nerudova-prezidentka-kandidatura-program<\/a><\/p>\n

Dvo\u0159\u00e1k, T., Zouhar, J., & Nov\u00e1k, J. 2017. The Effect of Direct Democracy on Turnout: Voter Mobilization or Participatory Momentum? Political Research Quarterly, 70(2), 433\u2013448. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1065912917698043<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe will be very aggressive\u201d \u2013 analyst on Babi\u0161\u2019s entry into presidential race, (discussion with political analyst Petr Just), Radio Prague International, by Thomas McEnchroe, 31\/10\/2022, https:\/\/english.radio.cz\/he-will-be-very-aggressive-analyst-babiss-entry-presidential-race-8765672<\/a><\/p>\n

Median: Petr Pavel would have a close fight with Babi\u0161. Nerudov\u00e1 is following closely behind, (Media: Pavel by s Babi\u0161em svedl v prvn\u00edm kole t\u011bsn\u00fd souboj. Nerudov\u00e1 vedouc\u00ed dvojici dotahuje), iRozhlas.cz, 31\/10\/2022, https:\/\/www.irozhlas.cz\/zpravy-domov\/prezidentske-volby-2023-pruzkum-median-petr-pavel-andrej-babis_2211071020_ako<\/a><\/p>\n

Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, the presidential election 2023, Accessed 23.11.2022, https:\/\/www.mvcr.cz\/volby\/clanek\/volba-prezidenta-republiky-2023.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

Pavel Fischer after being elected as senator intends to run for president, (Pavel Fischer po zvolen\u00ed sen\u00e1torem pl\u00e1nuje prezidentskou kandidaturu) by Marek Baloun, 13\/10\/2018, https:\/\/www.seznamzpravy.cz\/clanek\/pavel-fischer-po-zvoleni-senatorem-planuje-prezidentskou-kandidaturu-58235<\/a><\/p>\n

Petr Pavel Will Run the 2023 Presidential Election, Prague Morning News, 29\/6\/2022, https:\/\/www.praguemorning.cz\/general-petr-pavel-will-run-the-2023-presidential-election\/<\/a><\/p>\n

President declares to not accept any coalition as the winner of the elections: Only a winning party will be assign to form government, (Prezident m\u016f\u017ee ignorovat koalice a pov\u011b\u0159it sestaven\u00edm vl\u00e1dy p\u0159edsedu v\u00edt\u011bzn\u00e9 strany, \u0159\u00edk\u00e1 \u00fastavn\u00ed pr\u00e1vn\u00edk), iRozhlas, 30\/6\/2021, https:\/\/www.irozhlas.cz\/zpravy-domov\/ustavni-pravnik-jan-wintr-milos-zeman-rozhovor-koalice-andrej-babis-jmenovani_2106301312_vis<\/a><\/p>\n

Presidential powers, Current President of the Czech Republic, Prague Castle, https:\/\/www.hrad.cz\/en\/president-of-the-cr\/current-president-of-the-cr\/presidential-powers<\/a><\/p>\n

Profile: A retired soldier Pavel wants to conquer the Castle after leaving NATO leadership, (Profil: Voj\u00e1k ve v\u00fdslu\u017eb\u011b Petr Pavel chce po odchodu z veden\u00ed NATO dob\u00edt Hrad), \u010cesk\u00e1 televise \u2013 \u010cT24, 25\/11\/2022, https:\/\/ct24.ceskatelevize.cz\/specialy\/prezidentske-volby-2023\/3543069-profil-vojak-ve-vysluzbe-petr-pavel-chce-po-odchodu-z<\/a><\/p>\n

Row Over Babi\u0161\u2019 Conflict of Interest Set to Spice up Czech presidential Race, by Prague Morning, 1\/8\/2022, https:\/\/www.praguemorning.cz\/row-over-babis-conflicts-of-interest-set-to-spice-up-czech-presidential-race\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u0160losar\u010d\u00edk, Ivo, 2018. Constitutional Development in the Czech Republic in 2013-2017: Direct Presidential Elections and Their Constitutional Consequences, European Public Law 24, no.1 (2018):43-54.<\/p>\n

St\u0159edula announces his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, seeks for people\u00b4s support, (St\u0159edula ozn\u00e1mil kandidaturu na prezidenta. Chce se uch\u00e1zet o podporu lid\u00ed), Den\u00edk, 5\/5\/2022,\u00a0 https:\/\/www.denik.cz\/z_domova\/josef-stredula-kandidatura-prezident-20220505.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Wintr, Jan, Anto\u0161, Marek a Kysela, Jan, 2016. Direct election of the president and its constitutional and political consequences. Acta Politologica, 2016, vol. 8. no. 2, pp. 145\u2013163., Available at SSRN:\u00a0https:\/\/ssrn.com\/abstract=3095261<\/a><\/p>\n

Nerudov\u00e1 is in the lead, for the first time she is the favorite in the election (Aktu\u00e1ln\u00ed volebn\u00ed pr\u016fzkumy: Nerudov\u00e1 je ve veden\u00ed. Poprv\u00e9 je favoritkou voleb), E15, 9\/12\/2022, https:\/\/www.e15.cz\/prezidentske-volby\/aktualni-volebni-pruzkumy-preference<\/a><\/p>\n

\"KEDISA--\u03b1\u03bd\u03ac\u03bb\u03c5\u03c3\u03b7\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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