Abstract
The article deals with the influence of presidents in the government formation process (GFP). The authors propose an original classification of roles of presidents, reflecting real constitutional practice, with five categories based on real presidential influence on the GFP, from the weakest to the strongest: observer, notary, regulator, co-designer, and creator.
This classification is applied to Czechia, where the formal constitution gives the president great opportunities to intervene in the GFP. The results of the analysis of all cases of GFP show a significant variety of roles the Czech presidents have played: from notary to creator.
Two factors are particularly important. Firstly, the timing of elections proved significant.
Secondly, it depends on the real power of parties, that is, their ability to act together as a cohesive parliamentary majority.