Zeman’s term as president ending at midnight

The mandate of Miloš Zeman as Czech president ends at midnight on Wednesday. His successor Petr Pavel will be sworn in as the country’s fourth head of state on Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Zeman has served the maximum two terms as Czech president after becoming the first directly elected holder of the post in 2013.

The president’s flag will be symbolically lowered at Prague Castle when his term ends at midnight. At the same time the complex’s Gate of the Giants will be shut, only to be reopened once Mr. Pavel has been sworn in.