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PoliticsCzech Republic

Czech president unable to perform duties: official

October 18, 2021

The speaker of the Czech Senate has said there is little chance that Milos Zeman will return to the office in the coming weeks. The president was expected to choose the next government.

https://p.dw.com/p/41pSh
Czech President Milos Zeman speaks at the UN General Assembly in New York
Zeman assumed the presidency in 2013 and previously served as prime ministerImage: Getty Images/AF/D. Emmert

Czech President Milos Zeman is currently unable to carry out his official duties due to his health, the speaker of the Czech Senate said on Monday. 

Zeman, who is 77 years old, has been in Prague's military hospital since October 10, and little about his health status has been revealed by authorities. 

Speaker Milos Vystrcil said Zeman's prognosis is "very uncertain" and it's very unlikely that he will be able to return to work in the coming weeks. 

The Czech leader's hospitalization could spark a political crisis, as the European country recently held legislative elections. It's up to the Czech president to ultimately appoint the next prime minister.   

Zeman's office has declined to provide details on the president's condition or diagnosis.

What happens if Zeman remains incapacitated?

If the Czech president isn't able to perform his duties due to his illness or other reasons, his presidential powers are assumed by the current prime minister and the speakers of both houses of parliament.

The new speaker of the lower house would be the one with the power to select the country's next government and prime minister.

The new parliament is expected to meet on November 8 to elect the speaker and other officials.

jcg/wd (AP, Reuters)