Addressing the nation on the first day of the New Year, President Petr Pavel wished the ANO–SPD–Motorists government success in fulfilling its policy program. He said it was right to give the cabinet space at the start of its mandate, but made it clear that he would closely monitor its progress and weigh up whether its actions did not threaten democracy and its institutions, security, or the country’s ties with the free world.

The president noted that Czechs have a great deal to be proud of. Last year the country ranked among the fastest-growing economies in Europe, it remains one of the safest countries in the world and is also among the most generous nations in terms of charity and philanthropy.

The Czech Republic, he said, is capable of producing almost anything and is one of the few countries in the world able to manufacture products ranging from watches to aircraft, from original design to final production. He also noted that a Czech computer game has become a global hit.

Pavel further highlighted Czech talent, perseverance and courage, naming canoeist Martin Fuksa, snowboarder and skier Ester Ledecká and para-Olympic medalist David Kratochvíl, who have all achieved international sporting triumphs. He also mentioned nine-year-old Šimon Malý, who pulled his grandfather to safety after he lost consciousness while swimming, noting that there were many such examples of courage in everyday civic life.

Czechs should be more positive and build trust

On a more critical note, President Petr Pavel said that while there is much in the country’s recent past that people can take joy in and draw strength from, positive achievements are often overshadowed by a tendency toward dissatisfaction.

According to the head of state, Czechs should have greater confidence in themselves and people should also trust one another more. Pavel said that if society is able to rely on itself, it will be far better prepared to face future challenges and tests.

Mr. Pavel appealed to Czechs to resist populist rhetoric and to lift their eyes from the extremes they see daily on social media. He said that if people look at public affairs more thoughtfully, they will see that we all want similar things: decency, accessible healthcare, security, quality schools and a dignified life. He added that the overlap in these goals is so broad that it makes no sense for discord to become the country’s defining motto.

A diverse civil society is an indicator of a society’s good health

In conclusion, President Petr Pavel stressed the importance of an active civil society. He praised people who work for others without grand gestures or expectations of recognition. He highlighted those who spend their free time working with children, protecting the environment, historical monuments and the heritage of previous generations, as well as those who look after seniors and people with disabilities. He also mentioned individuals who guide young people towards sport, new skills, bonding with nature and positive civic values, and those who donate money to support important projects or civic non-profit organisations.

Pavel also expressed gratitude to volunteers who reliably step in when natural disasters or epidemics strike. He thanked volunteer firefighters, associations, scouts and neighbours who organise community events even in the smallest municipalities. He said these are things the state cannot do well, or at all. It would be good, the president said, the public had greater appreciation for the everyday work of these people.

President Petr Pavel said a diverse civil society is the best indicator of a society’s good health. He rejected the view that engagement in public affairs should be confined exclusively to politics.

“Politics is not and must not be the only space for public life. An authentic civil society must exist alongside it, complementing and correcting it, so that life in the Czech Republic is as rich as possible and everyone can find understanding and support,” the president concluded.