A dispute between Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala over leadership roles has escalated ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. Despite a court order mandating President Pavel’s attendance, the government has blocked him from leading the Czech delegation, citing disagreements over defence spending. The conflict highlights internal tensions within the Czech Republic as NATO prepares to address broader issues of burden-sharing and security concerns, including the Strait of Hormuz. The summit, scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, will gather 32 NATO leaders. This public disagreement threatens to overshadow the Czech Republic’s contribution to the alliance’s discussions. The core of the dispute revolves around differing views on fulfilling NATO’s financial commitments. The situation presents an awkward dynamic for the Czechs as they participate in the international summit.