Ex-NATO General Becomes Czech President in Transatlantic Shift
- Pavel, champion of EU, NATO, replaces Zeman, a divisive leader
- Pavel secured convincing victory over former premier Babis
This article is for subscribers only.
A former NATO general was sworn in as the Czech Republic’s new president, marking the replacement of a divisive leader who promoted closer relations with China with one championing firmer transatlantic ties.
Petr Pavel, who once served as the highest-ranking military officer in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formally took his oath of office in a ceremony at Prague Castle Thursday. He is the fourth head of state of the nation of 10.5 million since it split from Slovakia in 1993 after the fall of communism.