More than three decades after the Velvet Revolution, Václav Havel remains the most respected post-1989 president of the Czech Republic, according to a recent STEM/MARK survey.

The research, conducted between May 14 and June 1, shows that Havel tops the list, followed by Václav Klaus in second place and current president Petr Pavel in third.

The survey reveals that Czech citizens continue to value Havel’s humanitarian legacy, especially among respondents under 30. Younger people largely credit him for his defense of human rights and democratic values.

In contrast, older and less formally educated voters are more likely to favor Miloš Zeman, who ranked fourth.

The study highlights how education level, age, and socio-economic status strongly influence presidential preferences. “People without a high school diploma are more inclined toward Zeman, while Havel dominates among high school and university graduates,” the STEM/MARK agency stated.

When looking at Václav Klaus, the second-ranked president, the survey found that he enjoys broad and consistent support across demographic groups, unlike the others whose approval varies significantly with age or education.

Respondents praised Pavel’s communication style and public appearances, especially his regular visits to Czech regions and his defense of Czech interests abroad. The president also earned higher marks for his use of presidential powers, which analysts link to his fast adaptation to the role despite lacking previous political experience.

The research further indicates that Pavel enjoys stronger support among university-educated voters, Prague residents, and citizens under 30.

A total of 1,013 respondents over the age of 18 participated in the poll.

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