in Ukraine if he won, due to his military past, Pavel stated: In 1987, in his biography, Pavel expressed understanding for the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops. He is said to have taken this view at the age of six from his father, Josef Pavel, who was at the time an officer in the Czechoslovak Army and a member of military intelligence. Pavel later apologized for the stance expressed in his biography and condemned the invasion. Social issues Pavel holds progressive views on socio-cultural issues. He supports same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption, and confirmed he would not veto a law permitting recognition of same-sex unions in the Czech Republic. Pavel supports the introduction of euthanasia, and rejects the death penalty. After his election as Chair of the NATO Military Committee in 2014, Pavel criticised political correctness, arguing that it creates an environment in which those in charge are told only what they want to hear. He said that during his tenure as Chair of the NATO Military Committee he saw many Chiefs of General Staff who were unable to call problems by their right name due to political correctness. Domestic policy During the presidential campaign, Pavel described himself as "right of centre, with a strong social emphasis". In 2019, he argued that rich people should pay higher taxes and supports stronger redistribution of wealth. He has cited Scandinavian countries as an inspiration. He said he voted for the centre-right Spolu alliance in the 2021 Czech legislative election. He discussed political support from Spolu during the early stages of his presidential bid, eventually stating that he did not want to be its nominee, but would welcome its endorsement. Spolu endorsed him in October 2022 together with two other candidates. Pavel said he had voted for Karel Schwarzenberg in both rounds of the 2013 Czech presidential election. In 2018 Czech presidential election, he voted for Pavel Fischer in the first round and Jiří Drahoš in the second. Personal life Pavel speaks Czech, English, French, and Russian. He has two sons with his first wife, Hana; they later divorced. He is married to his second wife, Eva Pavlová, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Czech Army. Before 2012, Pavel moved to Černouček, where he has lived ever since. Pavel holds a concealed carry license. He is non-religious. Honours National honours : Medal for Service to the Fatherland (1988)