Milos Zeman takes his oath, becomes Czech president

He succeeds Vaclav Klaus who attended the ceremony together with his wife Livia. Klaus was president for ten years.

Zemna was sworn in by Senate chairman Milan Stech (Social Democrats, CSSD).

The ceremony was attended by MPs, government members, foreign diplomats and representatives of churches.

Zeman´ s wife Ivana and daughter Katerina also attended the ceremony to which 626 guests were invited. Some of them excused themselves.

Prsent

Shortly after Zeman took his oath, a 21-gun salute was fired from the Petrin Hill overlooking Prague while the Czech anthem was being played in the Vladislav Hall.

People could follow the ceremony on jumbotrons at Prague Castle´s courtyards.

Zeman, former CSSD prime minister, now honorary chairman of the Party of Citizens´ Rights (SPOZ), won the first direct presidential election in January.

He beat Foreign Minister and TOP 09 chairman Karel Schwarzenberg with the 55 to 45 proportion of the vote in the run-off.

Before Zeman entered the Vladislav Hall the Castle Guard brought in the top state decorations which went to Zeman after he took his oath.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz