In a recent STEM/MARK poll released yesterday, President Petr Pavel emerges with higher public approval ratings than his predecessor Milos Zeman across all five assessed categories. The survey, employing a grading system reminiscent of the Czech school system, demonstrates that respondents perceive President Pavel more favorably, assigning him an average grade of three.

President Pavel excelled in two critical areas, garnering his highest scores for public speaking and the defense of Czech interests abroad. Notably, respondents awarded him an average grade of 2.5 for his articulate public speaking style and 2.8 for his effective representation and defense of Czech interests on the global stage. However, the survey revealed a weaker point in resolving disputes within the Czech political scene, where Pavel received his lowest score, ranging between 3 and 4.

Analyzing the results, STEM/MARK analysts emphasized the ambiguity surrounding the nature of the disputes mentioned by respondents, as the survey did not delve into specific details. Despite this, the positive assessment of President Pavel is underscored by the fact that nearly a fifth of those who voted for Andrej Babis in the previous presidential election rated Pavel positively.

Research author Jan Burianec highlighted the overall positive trend for President Pavel, comparing his ratings to those of Milos Zeman, who, during the second half of his second term, had an average rating of four from the Czech public. The study underscores that Pavel’s favorable standing is particularly pronounced among individuals under 30, university graduates, residents of larger towns, and right-wing voters.

Nevertheless, disparities in support exist, with lower ratings coming from respondents over 60, voters aligned with the opposition Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and ANO, as well as individuals in lower-income brackets.

The online poll, conducted on a sample of 1,010 people over 18, reveals a nuanced public sentiment, shedding light on the diverse perspectives shaping President Pavel’s current standing in Czech public opinion.