A major protest movement is unfolding in the Czech Republic over a ministerial appointment dispute involving President Petr Pavel and environment minister nominee Filip Turek, after Pavel accused Foreign Minister Petr Maříš Macinka of attempting to blackmail him to influence the government’s leadership.

Protests have intensified since earlier Prague demonstrations, centered on the decision not to appoint a minister linked to the right-wing Motorists for Themselves party amid racist, homophobic, and sexist posts found on Turek’s Facebook page.

The controversy stems from allegations that Macinka pressed Pavel to appoint an ally, raising concerns about integrity and democratic norms within the government formation.

Supporters call for a compassionate, tolerant country where democratic institutions prevail.

Organizers, Million Moments for Democracy, warn of potential autocratic shifts seen in neighboring regions and urge unity to safeguard Slovakia- and Hungary-like democratic norms.

President Pavel remains committed to upholding democratic institutions and Western alignment (EU and NATO) despite a populist coalition that includes ANO, Freedom and Direct Democracy, and the Motorists.

A mass protest on February 1 in Prague drew tens of thousands, with organizers planning more nationwide demonstrations and a Letná rally on March 21 under the banner “We will not let our future be stolen.”

A petition titled “We stand behind the president” has gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures as part of the push for continued support of Pavel and opposition to the government’s ministerial dispute.

Polls indicate Pavel enjoys strong public trust while Macinka’s support remains low, fueling doubts about his party’s parliamentary prospects.

Rallies in Brno and other cities featured demonstrators displaying images of Pavel and banners such as “I stand with the president” or “I am ashamed of the current government,” signaling broad public backing for the president.

Macinka framed the demonstrations as opposition-driven and suggested the protests will not alter the government’s direction.

The government formed in December under Prime Minister Andrej Babiš includes a coalition with the Motorists and Freedom and Direct Democracy, shaping policy on Ukraine, EU matters, and public broadcaster funding.