President Zeman still unwilling to promote Koudelka to rank of general

President Zeman has made it clear that he will not promote the head of the Military Counter-Intelligence Service BIS, Michal Koudelka, to the rank of general. The government has indicated that it will propose Mr. Koudelka’s promotion for the sixth year in succession.

President Zeman, who has repeatedly criticized the performance of the intelligence service, and made light of its warnings regarding the activities of Russian and Chinese spies in this country, indicated that he would await the outcome of the Vrbetice investigation before making up his mind as to whether Mr. Koudelka deserves a promotion.

The prime minister and president are expected to discuss the matter during  their planned meeting at Lany chateau on Monday evening.