The Czech Republic is in the midst of its presidential election, with a colorful list of candidates vying for the position. The leading contenders include populist former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, retired General Petr Pavel, and university professor Danuse Nerudova. Babis, a billionaire and former Prime Minister, recently acquitted of financial wrongdoing, is considered a favorite to win the election. He has promised to focus on the country’s urgent needs, such as tackling social issues and reducing the high cost of electricity.

General Pavel, who is supported by the government, is a decorated hero of the Serbo-Croatian war and former chief of the general staff and chair of the NATO alliance military committee. Nerudova, the youngest leading candidate at 44, is focusing on social issues and aims to become the Czech Republic’s first female president.

No candidate is expected to win over 50% of the vote in the first round, so the top two candidates will face each other in a run-off vote in two weeks. The winner will replace current President Milos Zeman, who is known for his controversial and hard-drinking reputation and has had more influence than his predecessors.
Article by Prague Forum