President Klaus sworn in for second term

Václav Klaus has been sworn in for a second five-year term as Czech president, following his successful re-election in February. The inauguration ceremony took place at Prague Castle on Friday. Invited guests witnessing the ceremony included former president Václav Havel as well as MPs, senators and other representatives. The inauguration was followed by a 21-gun salute on Prague’s Petřín Hill. In his speech afterwards Mr Klaus said he would act in accordance with the Czech constitution. He stressed that the Czech Republic would face the presidency of the EU in the near future and added that “he would like the government and president to act jointly” in this period.

Prior to Friday’s swearing in, Mr Klaus honoured the memory of Czechoslovakia’s first head of state, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Mr Klaus is the Czech Republic’s 2nd president following Václav Havel. His term in office ends on March 7, 2013.