Officials: Speculation on Zeman’s health driven by activism, hate

The Office of the President has rejected speculation about the health state of Miloš Zeman, saying it stems from political activism, efforts to win attention and hatred toward the head of state. His spokesman said that Mr. Zeman would sue a former minister, Džamila Stehlíková, who said that he was suffering from alcoholic cirrhosis.

For her part, Ms. Stehlíková called on the Office of the President to set up a medical council that would speak publicly about the head of state’s health.

Mr. Zeman, who is 77, was recently hospitalised after suffering from what officials said was dehydration and exhaustion.

A former president, Václav Klaus, said that the incumbent had problems with his liver related to his drinking and smoking lifestyle.