Michael Švec

Michael Švec/Prague, Czechia

Journalist, editor of the Czech newspaper Deník N. He started in 2008 for daily Právo as a reporter focused on Russia and the post-Soviet states, then worked as an editor for the news website Aktuálně.cz. He earned a master's degree in Public and Social Policy at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University.

8 articles of type "ACF" - Michael Švec:
The Slovak Elections, the Czech Republic, and Russia
The Slovak Elections, the Czech Republic, and Russia

Elections in Slovakia were closely followed in Prague, as the results may serve as an indicator of the direction in which social moods might evolve in the Czech Republic.

Michael Švec
17 Oct 2023
Czechia: Pro-Russian and anti-US narratives are spread through local outlets
Czechia: Pro-Russian and anti-US narratives are spread through local outlets

Pro-Russian narratives are spreading in the Czech Republic despite Prague’s efforts to stop them. A treaty with the US is their latest target.

Michael Švec
21 Jun 2023
How Petr Pavel changed the Czech presidency
How Petr Pavel changed the Czech presidency

Since Petr Pavel took office, the Czech presidency is more transparent and promotes issues such as the protection of the environment and minorities. Externally, Miloš Zeman's openness to Russia and China has been replaced by support for Euro-Atlantic policies and Ukraine. On the other hand, the pro-European government is in an image crisis, and anti-poverty and anti-Ukraine demonstrations continue.

Michael Švec
28 Apr 2023
Petr Pavel, the general who wants to redefine the Czech presidency after the pro-Russian Miloš Zeman era
Petr Pavel, the general who wants to redefine the Czech presidency after the pro-Russian Miloš Zeman era

The Czech presidency seems poised for a major shakeup, as retired general Petr Pavel is preparing to take the office from Miloš Zeman. Unlike his predecessor, a pro-Russian and pro-Chinese politician with a knack for challenging the country’s Constitution and governments, Pavel is staunchly pro-Western and he vowed to cooperate with the equally pro-Western government. The president-elect also expressed his support for Ukraine, and caused a (for now) minor row with China.

Michael Švec
02 Feb 2023
Czech Republic: Ukrainian refugees as a political topic
Czech Republic: Ukrainian refugees as a political topic

As Czech presidential elections are nearing, populist parties are trying to gain support from pro-Russians by exploiting the issue of Ukrainian war refugees. Most Czechs continue to view refugees positively, but a growing minority believe they are a burden.

Michael Švec
21 Dec 2022
The Czech Republic is looking for a president to replace pro-Russian Miloš Zeman
The Czech Republic is looking for a president to replace pro-Russian Miloš Zeman

For almost ten years the Prague Castle, the seat of Czech presidents, was one of the most pro-Russian and pro-Chinese places in the European Union. Miloš Zeman will leave office on March 8. It is too early to say who will succeed him, but we can already certainly say that the style and content of the presidency will change fundamentally.

Michael Švec
31 Oct 2022
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11 articles of type "Opinions" - Michael Švec:
Memories of past aggressions made even pro-Russian Czechs take a stand against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Memories of past aggressions made even pro-Russian Czechs take a stand against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The Czech Republic was quick to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and prime-minister Petr Fiala even took a risky trip to a besieged Kyiv, to show his support. The most surprising Czech reaction came from president Milos Zeman, a staunch pro-Russian who unequivocally condemned the invasion and asked for a firm response to Putin.

Michael Švec
30 Mar 2022
Czechia and the Ukraine crisis: the president blames the CIA, the governement prepares for the fallout of war, and the disinformation campaign heats up
Czechia and the Ukraine crisis: the president blames the CIA, the governement prepares for the fallout of war, and the disinformation campaign heats up

The threat of Russian aggression against Ukraine comes as an important test for the new Czech government of Petr Fiala – the first major international crisis it must face. It will not be easy, given that the current coalition has to share power with a pro-Russian president and is also facing a growing disinformation campaign.

Michael Švec
21 Feb 2022
Czechia: Looking for a President
Czechia: Looking for a President

With Miloš Zeman plagued by illness and only a year left of his term in office, the Czechs are already starting to look at a field of potential would be Presidents. Next year’s presidential elections may finalise a change that started with 2021 the parliamentary polls, and put Cechia ruling elite firmly back in the Western camp.

Michael Švec
20 Jan 2022
After more than three decades, the Velvet Revolution finally sees closure
After more than three decades, the Velvet Revolution finally sees closure

Three decades after the fall of communism, Vaclav Havel remains the most important symbol of the Velvet Revolution. Michael Švec writes from Prague about the days of the revolution and Havel's legacy.

Michael Švec
24 Dec 2021
After flirting with Russia, the Czech Republic is about to return to Vaclav Havel’s legacy
After flirting with Russia, the Czech Republic is about to return to Vaclav Havel’s legacy

All five members of the emerging coalition speak with one voice about the pro-Western direction of the country and the return of the policy of promoting human rights in the world.

Michael Švec
17 Nov 2021
Surprises in the Czech Republic: Together with Pirates, without Populists and Communists
Surprises in the Czech Republic: Together with Pirates, without Populists and Communists

The recent parliamentary elections have redrawn the political map in the Czech Republic. The incumbent Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has lost power, a coalition of five very diverse parties will most likely govern, and voters of the traditional left-wing parties have lost their representation entirely. The post-election situation is further complicated by the fact that President Miloš Zeman is seriously ill and, according to the hospital where he is hospitalised, is unable to exercise his powers. Prague Castle, however, is silent about Zeman's condition.

Michael Švec
21 Oct 2021
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