The Czech Republic heads to the polls for two-day presidential elections

Czechs began voting for a new president on Friday, choosing between a retired army general and a populist billionaire in a two-day runoff to settle the controversy courting Milos Zeman in the largely ceremonial position.

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

Pavel, former chairman of NATO’s military committee, is a political newcomer. He fully supports the country’s military and humanitarian support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia and sees the future of the Czech Republic linked to membership in the European Union and NATO.

Babis, whose centrist ANO (YES) movement ended up in the opposition after losing the 2021 general election, is backed by his ally Miloš Zeman, the current president of his country, with whom he shares Eurosceptic views and has a habit of anti-migrant rhetoric.

A number of scandals have not damaged Babis’ popular support, especially among his base, older voters.

Just days before the first round, a Prague court acquitted him of charges of fraud in a €1.8 million case involving EU grants. Babis said the charges against him were politically motivated.

In a campaign marred by false accusations and controversy, Babis caused a stir by declaring that he would not send troops to Poland or the Baltic if his country’s NATO allies came under attack. He later withdrew.

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