President Zeman defends decision not to invite two rectors for Independence Day ceremony

President Miloš Zeman has defended his decision not to invite two university rectors to a Prague Castle ceremony marking Czechoslovakia Independence Day on October 28, the most important Czech public holiday. Just like last year, Mr Zeman’s office omitted the rectors of Brno’s Masaryk University and the South Bohemian University in České Budějovice from the guest list over past disagreements. On Sunday, Mr Zeman defended his decision and said he was defending the prestige of the head of state and the “interests of all presidents” that would come after him. Mr Zeman’s decision has been criticized by universities and some politicians who said the president was “appropriating” the holiday, and wasn’t able to overcome petty disagreements. Several other university rectors said they would boycott the ceremony in solidary with their colleagues.

Author: Jan Richter