Today, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, visited Mendel University in Brno. During his visit, he met with the university’s leadership and received a commemorative medal of the university from Rector Martin Klimánek. He then took part in a discussion with students, who filled the largest lecture hall on campus.
“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 discussion with students. The largest lecture hall, with a capacity of approximately 350 seats, was completely full. Students actively participated in the debate.
“I value contact with real people, when there is no social network 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 created and people are not afraid to say what is on their minds. Today we often see one-way communication from politicians, who use their own information channels to present their view of the world to citizens, which cannot lead to anything good. The opportunity for open debate with people is what I value most about the presidential office,” said President Petr Pavel during the discussion.
Students were particularly interested in topics related to security in both Czech and international politics, insights into the work of the president, and perspectives on 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 personal views. He was not afraid to respond even to more personal questions and to express his own opinions. He stood by his words and came across 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.