The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has partially granted a request from the Office of the President to increase the size of the delegation accompanying President Petr Pavel to the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. While the Ministry has now provided a mandate for the trip, the decision follows a period of friction regarding the composition of the presidential team. According to Hrad spokesperson Vojtěch Šeliga, the government’s move represents a concession, though the President’s participation in the July 7–8 summit continues to face public opposition from Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
Background on the delegation dispute
The Ministry had previously restricted the size of the presidential delegation and specified its members by name. President Pavel described the initial government-imposed limit as a “one plus four” arrangement—consisting of the President and four staff members, three of whom were security personnel. In comments provided to Deník.cz, the President characterized these constraints as unprecedented and publicly requested a change to the delegation’s composition.
Stance of the Prime Minister
Despite the resolution of the logistical dispute, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš maintains that President Pavel should not attend the summit. During regular Thursday interpellations in the Chamber of Deputies, Babiš argued that the President’s presence in Ankara would be detrimental to the Czech Republic. The Prime Minister stated that the government does not wish for the President to attend, citing concerns regarding the country’s defense spending targets. The President’s right to participate in the summit was previously affirmed by a preliminary ruling from the Constitutional Court.
Did You Know? The upcoming NATO summit is scheduled to take place on July 7 and 8, 2026, in the Turkish capital of Ankara.
What happens next
With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs having provided the necessary mandate, preparations for the delegation’s travel to Ankara are expected to proceed. Given the Prime Minister’s repeated public objections, it is likely that the President’s actions and statements during the summit will continue to be a subject of intense domestic political scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decided the President could attend the summit?
The President’s participation in the Ankara summit was determined by a preliminary measure issued by the Constitutional Court.
Why did the President request a change to the delegation?
President Pavel requested a change because the Ministry had initially limited the delegation to four staff members, including three security officers, a restriction the President labeled as unprecedented.
What is the Prime Minister’s position on the summit?
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has repeatedly called on the President not to attend, arguing that his presence harms the Czech Republic and that the government does not desire his participation.
