Czech president says Europe can't ignore rise in support for extremists

PRAGUE, Czech Republic

After far-right parties did well in multi-state elections across Europe, the Czech Republic president said Monday said widespread support for extremism in Europe cannot be ignored.

“We cannot ignore the rise in support for extremists in Europe,” Petr Pavel said on X, adding: “We need to perceive these voices and think about why this is happening.”

Pavel, a liberal, pro-Western leader, said Europe must examine the reason behind the support for far-right conservative nationalist parties.

But he maintained that EU security policies are unlikely to change in light of the European Parliament election results.

Populist opposition party the ANO movement secured the largest share of votes in the Czech Republic in the 2024 European Parliament elections.

ANO won 26.14%, claiming seven seats in the EP, one more than in the 2019 selection. The Spolu (Together) coalition, including the Civic Democrats, Christian Democrats, and Top 09, which currently governs the country, came a close second with 22.2% of the vote and six members of the EP.

Prisaha and Motorists, a far-right alliance accused of being neo-Nazi, won two seats in the polls with 10% of the vote, as did the left-wing political coalition Stacilo! (Enough!).

A total of 21 MEPs will represent Czechia in the 720-seat European Parliament.