Former head of the NATO Military Committee, retired general Petr Pavel won the presidential elections in the Czech Republic.

More than 58 percent of voters voted for him, and almost 42 percent of voters voted for his opponent, former Prime Minister Andrei Babish.

"I would like to thank those who voted for me, as well as those who did not vote, but came to the polls, because they made it clear that they respect democracy and care about this country. I see that values ​​such as truth, dignity, respect and humility won in these elections," said Pavel, quoted by AFP.

As reported by the Reuters agency, Andrey Babish admitted defeat in the elections and congratulated Petro Pavel on his victory in his speech to supporters.

Petro Pavel is a military officer, the first chairman of the NATO Military Committee in the history of the Czech Republic and the countries of the former Soviet bloc (in 2015–2018). Takes a tough stance against Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, advocates the western orientation of the Czech Republic, and at the same time appeals to patriotic feelings. He is supported mainly by supporters of right-wing, conservative and liberal views.

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