Better communication, more transparency: Pavel reveals his 100-day plan

President Petr Pavel has officially presented the plan for his first 100 days in office, focusing on eight themes. These include better state-public communication, more transparency, appointing new judges, and ensuring strong foreign diplomacy.

“I would rather be criticized for a start that is too active,” Pavel said as he mapped out his ambitions for the next three months.

There is an unwritten rule in Czech politics that leaders have a 100-day “protection” or “defense” period during which the public lets them acclimatize to the role. Pavel – who began his presidency on March 9 – however said that this approach is too lukewarm and lets politicians hide from criticism, ČTK reported.

One of his main focuses will be Prague Castle. He would like to make it as accessible to the public as possible – mainly by removing current security checks and opening up previously closed areas to the public. 

The 61-year-old former general also spoke of his desire to hold a roundtable discussion on making the castle more culturally appealing. He also said he may appoint an external consultant to plan Prague Castle’s revitalization.

Communication was another major topic. Via more frequent news conferences and increased use of online social networks, he hopes to improve communication between the public and the President's Office, focusing especially on young people to deepen their interest in politics. He also said he wanted to “modernize” presidential-related websites.

The new president also aims to increase dialogue between Prime Minister Petr Fiala as well as members of the opposition. This includes constructive talks with his presidential-election rival and leader of ANO, the largest opposition party, Andrej Babiš. Pavel expressed his desire to find “common points of contact.”

Pavel promised that the Castle would start “functioning as a transparent institution, primarily for citizens.” He plans to ensure this by setting up “modern and transparent management methods that will prevent the wasteful handling of public money.” He said that with the help of the Supreme Audit Office, he would ensure no foul play between different presidential administrations.

He also plans to establish expert adviser teams in the fields of economy, energy, pension reform, constitutional law, environment protection, welfare policy, and education.

Pavel’s position on Ukraine is well-known. Multiple times he has pledged unequivocal support for the war-stricken country and promised the continuation of Czech aid to Ukraine. While setting out his 100-day plan, Pavel promised to visit Ukraine, where he “will help start its restoration with the help of the Czech Republic.”

On diplomacy, Pavel spoke of his aims to ensure the Czech Republic remains “a reliable foreign partner.” He said he would visit all neighboring countries in the coming months and has already gone to Slovakia and Poland.

The president also promised he would oversee the appointment of three new judges to the Constitutional Court. He wants to achieve this with a “transparent candidate-selection process.”

Pavel also mentioned his desire to emulate his predecessor Miloš Zeman by having an active presence in regions across the country, aside from Prague. He announced that in the next three months, he will definitely visit Moravia-Silesia and two other regions.

Pavel has said his first priority as head of state will be an attempt to reunite Czech society. His eight areas of focus in his 100-day plan underline his determination to do this – the journey, however, has just begun.