Macinka to reveal Czech NATO delegation Monday as court order fuels constitutional clash

A constitutional clash over who leads

The Czech government originally excluded President Petr Pavel from the delegation to the NATO summit in Ankara on 7–8 July, arguing that foreign policy and defence spending fall under cabinet responsibility. Pavel responded the same day by filing a competency lawsuit with the Constitutional Court. The court issued a preliminary measure on Wednesday ordering the government to accredit the president and provide full service, but stopped short of ruling on the underlying constitutional question.

Macinka considers defiance

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motoristé) has been the most vocal critic of the court’s intervention. He called the lawsuit and the preliminary ruling an attempted constitutional coup and said he consulted experts on whether to defy the order. “We discussed with experts whether it is necessary to do it, or whether to defy the Constitutional Court,” Macinka said on Sunday. The accreditation deadline set by the court expired on Friday, but Macinka refused to confirm whether he had complied, saying he would inform the cabinet first on Monday.

If the president went even crazier, he could decide to go to the St. Petersburg forum to negotiate with Putin.

Vice-premier expects compliance

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) struck a more conciliatory tone, stating that the court’s decision must be respected. “The public will undoubtedly learn on Monday that the president is accredited,” she said. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has said he will address the matter after Monday’s cabinet meeting.

Former officials condemn Macinka

Former Constitutional Court chief Pavel Rychetský and former Justice Minister Eva Decroix (ODS) sharply criticised Macinka’s conduct. Rychetský called him a “boor” and said his behaviour was a disgrace to the country. Both argued that under international law and diplomatic protocol, the head of state should lead the delegation. Rychetský suggested Babiš should dismiss Macinka, saying a responsible prime minister would not tolerate a minister who sows discord between the government and the presidential office.

He is a disgrace not only to the government and Macinka, but to the entire country, that someone behaves like a boor toward the president of the republic.

What comes next

The cabinet meets on Monday, and Macinka has promised to announce the final delegation list afterwards. The summit itself takes place on 7–8 July in Ankara. Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD) said the president’s presence would complicate the delegation, but other NATO members are unlikely to comment on the internal Czech dispute. The Constitutional Court will rule on the competency lawsuit itself in the coming months.