Milos Zeman Becomes New Czech President

New Czech President Milos Zeman

Milos Zeman has been sworn in for a five-year term as president of the Czech Republic.

Zeman took the presidential oath during a joint session of both houses of parliament at the Prague Castle attended also by members of the government, foreign diplomats, and other dignitaries.

The 68-year-old replaces the euroskeptic Vaclav Klaus, who stepped down from the post early on March 8 after serving the maximum two terms.

Zeman, 68, became the country's first president to be elected by popular ballot on January 26. Previously the president was chosen by parliament.

A former prime minister and once leader of the Social Democrat Party, Zeman has been a leading politician in the Czech Republic for most of the years since the fall of communism.
Based on reporting by CTK and AFP