President Pavel and defence minister Zůna to discuss new army chief candidates

President Petr Pavel will meet Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna on Wednesday to discuss candidates for the next chief of the general staff. The talks will take place at Prague Castle and will also cover current defence issues, with no media briefing planned. Pavel has said he has no clear favourite and expects the government to submit nominations. Zůna has indicated there are four candidates under consideration, though he has not disclosed their names.

The government could make its selection in May. The current chief, Karel Řehka, has held the post since 2022, with a typical term lasting four years.