On Nova TV, the televised debate between Andrej Babiš and Petr Pavel, two presidential candidates in the Czech Republic, saw minimal clashes between the two. Political scientist Lubomír Kopeček noted that Babiš, the leader of the ANO movement and ex-prime minister, seemed resigned and apparently counted on a minimal chance of victory. Ladislav Mrklas from the CEVRO Institute stated that, given the heated social atmosphere, the two politicians had no choice but to approach the last televised debate before the second round in a more peaceful way.

Kopeček pointed out that Babiš seemed resigned in the debate and is probably already preparing for cooperation with the new head of state. “He is trying to fill in the ditches because he is the head of the largest opposition party and he will have to get along with the new president,” said Kopeček.

Mrklas, on the other hand, believes that Babiš failed to demobilize Pavlo’s voters with harsh attacks. He estimates that the result will still be close. Pavel narrowly won in the first round of the presidential election with 35.4 percent of the vote, while Babiš had 34.99 percent.

The second round of the election for the head of state will take place on Friday and Saturday. This was the penultimate debate of the candidates who advanced to the second round. On Friday, just before the opening of the polling stations, Babiš and Pavel will take part in a discussion on Czech Radio.
Article by Prague Forum