Czech president ready to appoint new army chief

Czech President Petr Pavel is prepared to appoint Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč as the country’s next chief of the general staff after the government approved his nomination. The presidential office said Pavel considers Hlaváč a strong candidate because of his military leadership experience, education and current role as deputy chief of the general staff. Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD), who proposed the candidates, did not support Hlaváč in the cabinet vote, saying he had preferred someone else. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) called Hlaváč the natural choice, highlighting continuity in military leadership. Parliament’s defence committee will review the nomination before formal appointment.