The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, visited Mendel University in Brno today. During his visit, he met with the university’s leadership and received a commemorative medal from the rector, Martin Klimánek. He then held a discussion with students who filled the university’s largest lecture hall.
“It is a great honor for us to welcome the head of state, President Petr Pavel, to Mendel University in Brno. I am pleased that the President also made space for direct dialogue with our students. Open discussion and the sharing of opinions are fundamental to the academic environment and to the principles that help shape our society in these turbulent times,” said Martin Klimánek, Rector of Mendel University in Brno.
The key part of the President’s program at the university was the debate with students. The largest lecture hall, with a capacity of approximately 350 seats, was completely full. Students actively participated in the discussion.
“I appreciate the contact with people in person, without any social media between us—we can see each other face to face and ask questions directly. It is in these discussions that I receive immediate feedback, especially when a good atmosphere is established and people are not afraid to speak their minds. Today, we often see one-way communication from politicians, who present their view of the world to citizens through their own information channels, which cannot lead to anything good. The opportunity for open debate with people is what I value most about the presidential office,” President Petr Pavel said during the discussion.
Students were particularly interested in topics related to security in both Czech and international politics, the nature of the presidential role, and the future life of the younger generation in the Czech Republic.
“The discussion with the President was very beneficial. He answered all questions clearly and, I would say, in a way that reflected his genuine views. He was not afraid to respond even to more personal questions and to express his own opinion. He stood by his words and acted as a strong pillar, as we are used to from his public appearances,” summarized Luboš Majcher, a student of the Faculty of AgriSciences.
The discussion was moderated by Vice-Rector for Internationalization Martina Rašticová.