Political clash in Prague: President accuses foreign minister of blackmail

Czech opposition parties have called for the immediate resignation of Foreign Minister Petr Macinka after President Petr Pavel accused him of attempted blackmail regarding a controversial cabinet appointment.

The dispute centers on text messages sent by Macinka (Motorists) to the president via an advisor, Petr Kolář. President Pavel made the messages public on Tuesday, describing them as an "extremely serious" attempt to influence his constitutional duties.

In the texts, Macinka reportedly warned that he would “burn bridges” in a way that would “enter political science textbooks” if the president continued to block the appointment of Filip Turek as Minister of the Environment.

“No intimidation will work on me,” Pavel told a press conference. “I will continue to be guided primarily by the Constitution and the interests of the Czech Republic.”

The president confirmed he is filing a complaint with security services and asking lawyers to assess if the messages constitute a criminal offense. The opposition has reacted with outrage.

Leaders from the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), TOP 09, and the Pirates have demanded Macinka step down, calling his behavior “scandalous” and “mafia-like.”

Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala called for Macinka to resign from the cabinet immediately, arguing that the Foreign Minister is prioritizing party interests over national security.

Minister Macinka has dismissed the allegations, stating that influencing political positions is the “essence of every negotiation.” He argues that Pavel’s refusal to appoint Turek is outside the constitutional framework.

“A political conflict, whatever its consequences, cannot be considered grave harm,” noted lawyer Tomáš Sokol, who suggested the matter does not meet the legal threshold for blackmail.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) described the messages as “unfortunate” and “not his style,” but defended his minister against criminal accusations. “It was private communication with an advisor, so it is definitely not blackmail,” Babiš said, urging both sides to calm emotions.

The standoff has deepened the rift between the Prague Castle and the junior government partner, the Motorists. While the president maintains that Turek lacks respect for the legal system, Macinka has threatened to obstruct the president’s upcoming diplomatic travel to the NATO summit in Turkey unless a compromise is reached by Wednesday.