Professor Fights Putin’s Czech Ally in Key Election
This week’s Czech presidential vote is neck and neck and there’s much at stake for the country’s relations with Europe.
Jiri Drahos waves during a televised presidential debate with Milos Zeman.
Photographer: Michal Cizek/AFP via Getty Images
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A science professor’s attempt to become the next Czech president hardly sounds like a pivotal political event. For Europe’s widening divide between east and west, it just might turn into one.
Jiri Drahos is seeking to unseat Russia-supporting President Milos Zeman in a runoff ballot this week. With his academic demeanor, he vows to “return dignity” to a largely ceremonial post his incumbent opponent has marked with a stormy five years clashing with media, fellow politicians and the country’s western allies.