Former general Petr Pavel to run against populist billionaire Andrej Babis in Czech presidential election

A retired army general who supports military aid for Ukraine and a eurosceptic billionaire who has questioned NATO’s collective defense clause are vying for the ceremonial but prestigious post of Czech president in a run-off that begins Friday.

Petr Pavel, an ex-general and Andrej Babis, the former prime minister, advanced to a second round of voting after none of the original eight candidates secured an absolute majority in the first round two weeks ago.

The polls are in favor of Pavel, an independent candidate who narrowly finished first in the first round with 35.40 percent. Babis followed with 34.99 percent. Three other candidates pledged their support to Pavel ahead of the two-day vote.

The winner succeeds Milos Zeman, whose second and final term expires in March. Zeman divided the nation with his pro-Russian stance – until the February 24 invasion of Ukraine – and support for closer ties with China.

He was the first president elected by popular vote. Lawmakers elected the previous two presidents, Vaclav Havel and Vaclav Klaus.

For more information, watch Euronews’ report in the video above.