Tens of thousands rally in Prague to show support for President Pavel PHOTO / VIDEO

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Prague’s central square on February 1 to show support for Czech President Petr Pavel, who recently refused to approve Filip Turek’s nomination as Minister of Environment.

On January 27, Pavel released an official statement claiming that Foreign Minister Petr Macinka from the new Czech government had sent threats of “consequences” if he continued opposing Turek’s appointment, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the president, Macinka sent two text messages through presidential advisor Petr Kolář. Pavel described the move as an attempted act of blackmail and said he plans to involve law enforcement to determine whether it constitutes a criminal offence.

Macinka, however, denied any intention of blackmail and has no plans to resign or apologise. The opposition has called for his resignation and urged a vote of no confidence in the cabinet.

Filip Turek, the nominee for Minister of Environment, has previously performed a Nazi salute and published Nazi memorabilia. Turek has denied holding Nazi views, attributing his actions to “bad taste.”

The rally lasted about 90 minutes, with participants gathering at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and other locations across Prague. Similar demonstrations are planned for dozens of other Czech cities on February 15. 

Organisers estimated 80,000–90,000 attendees, though authorities have not confirmed the figures. Flags of the Czech Republic, the European Union, Ukraine, and Iran—where anti-government protests have continued since late December—were visible at the rally.

By Jeyhun Aghazada